By Vicki Rackner, M.D.

I love my garden. I care for my garden each day. My garden has taught me important lessons about health, just as my patients have. Often in an “a-ha” moment I can substitute “plant “ for “person” and “garden” for “physical, mental, and spiritual health.” Doing this helps me discover something that’s true for me in my life. 

Here are some lessons in “people” care that I learned from caring for my garden:

Invest in Soil 

Rich soil is a key component to a healthy garden.  A rich earth supports life.  Adding six inches of mulch to the beds does not feel artistic or inspired.  It’s hard work.  I do it because I know that this effort will be rewarded with lush, healthy plants.

Where do you plant yourself?  Is your home a nurturing place?  Is it clean and organized?  How do you feel about the color of the walls?  Does your home reflect who you are? Is there anything you can do to help your home feel better to you?

The Right Plant for the Right Spot 

All plants have a condition under which they thrive.  Lavender and rosemary do best in dry sunny spots.  Rhododendrons do best in shaded, acidic soil. Plants do best when they grow in conditions in which they thrive.

What conditions do you need to thrive?  Are you an introvert who thrives on alone time or an extrovert who is recharged by being around people?  Do you thrive on adventure?On a routine you can count on?  Do you do best eating three squares a day or having snacks every few hours?

Give the Plants Water and Nutrients According to their Needs 

Plants have varying degrees of drought tolerance.  Some need extra nutrients to blossom or fruit. 

Do you drink enough water?  By the time you’re thirsty you are already dehydrated.  Do you have nourishing food in the house, in the car and at your desk?  Do you get enough light?  Fresh air?  Exercise?

Put Plants in a Like-Minded Community 

Plants do best when they are in proximity to other plants whose needs parallel their own.

What is your community like?  You may find that as your life circumstances change so, too, does your community.

Pull Weeds Regularly, Especially the Invasive Bullies

I have an aggressive morning glory vine that would take over my whole garden if it were left unchecked.  One of my early spring jobs is to pull the roots before they take hold.

Do you have toxic relationships that smother the healthy projects you love?  Do you have qualities that keep you from being the blossoming person you are?  A tendency to judge or blame?  Once these are removed from your life you have a much better chance of seeing your health and happiness bloom as you wish.

Honor the Life Cycle  

Plants go through cycles in which their energy is invested in preparation for the next season.  Annuals live one year in blazing glory then die; deciduous trees lose their leaves in the fall and then miraculously return to life in the spring for many, many cycles. 

You, too, need time to recharge.  And, like plants, you and I have a finite life.  We just don’t have a seed package that says how many seasons we will see.

I love my garden. The health of my garden is a result of finding a good match between the condition of my garden and the plants that do well under those conditions.  My enjoyment of my garden is a result of finding the right match between what I want and what is.

I hope that you create the conditions in which you blossom, and surround yourself with those who appreciate your beauty.