Healing through gardening

South Health Campus community blooms in summer

Story by Ashley Graydon

CALGARY — With 55 boxes and plots spread over three gardening areas around the hospital, South Health Campus (SHC) takes their gardening seriously.

“Our staff take great pride in their plots at the gardens,” says April Matsuno, wellness centre manager. “We have 115 participating gardeners who are mostly staff, but also include members throughout the surrounding community.

“The community gardens are celebrating 12 years here because of the collaborative spirit of many different groups including SHC Facilities, Maintenance & Engineering, and late Starbelly Chef Jonathan Sobol.”

In 2016, more than $12,000 was raised to expand the community gardens. The fundraiser worked thanks to Chef Sobol, who had a vision of the gardens as a healing place where patients could go to relax, reflect and enjoy some peace. Sadly, Sobol died tragically in a car accident prior to the fundraiser, but the gardens grew as his legacy. Visitors can view a plaque in his honour in the west garden.

“I’ve seen the positive impact the community gardens have on patients and their families,” says Barb Lawson, patient experience volunteer at SHC for close to nine years. “When patients see the gardens, it brings a smile to their faces. They love all the vibrant colours of flowers and the many varieties of vegetables.”

She adds that visiting the gardens has become a highlight and soothing space for many at the hospitals as well as for others throughout the community.

Nathan Bird, a maintenance worker in Facilities Maintenance & Engineering agrees, as that has always been his goal when it comes to SHC landscaping.

“I want the hospital to look like a country club, not a hospital,” he says. “I want something positive in a place where that isn’t always the case for patients and families.”

He adds that they like to keep natural plants throughout the site including willows, buffalo berries, snow berries and roses.

Bird truly believes in the healing powers of nature and horticultural therapy. “Every minute I’m not at the hospital, I’m still outdoors and have my hands in the soil,” he says. “There are so many therapeutic benefits.”

“Gardening is an important part of the patient experience at SHC,” Matsuno adds. “For example, it’s incorporated into therapeutic mental health patient programming. Patients actively engage in gardening and enjoy eating the vegetables they help grow and harvest.”

She says the greenery helps staff, physicians, volunteers and the community to garden and practise work-life balance to improve well-being and healthy lifestyles. This supports wellness through relaxation and exercise, and boosts connection and interaction with people and nature. Feedback has been universally positive to date.

Staff, physicians, volunteers and the community are welcome to dig in. Gardeners are asked to pay a small fee to cover equipment and maintenance costs for the season, as well as provide their own plants, seeds and fertilizers. Gardeners are also responsible for planting, watering, weeding, harvesting, and ensuring their garden box/plot remains healthy and looks good for the season.

Often, staff-garden groups will share watering duties with their neighbours. Planter supplies and equipment are purchased with donated funds and garden fees.

“We’re excited that the season has started,” says Matsuno. “It’s a win-win to beautify our site and support wellness through a gardening activity that’s open to everyone.”