You have methodically followed the month-to-month seasonal calendar, you have applied fertilizer, planted seeds, pruned, and “dead headed”. Now what? Don’t forget to simply enjoy and appreciate the outdoor beauty that you have cultivated. Breathe in the fresh air, step back and fully observe your beautiful lawn, and take a walk through your property. Try not to be so concerned with checking off tasks that you “miss the forest because of the trees”. Having a garden, or simply working outdoors can be very beneficial to your emotional and physical well-being. The University of North Carolina has a program entitled The North Carolina Botanical Garden's Horticultural Therapy Program. This program is, as their website explains, “the purposeful use of plants and gardens to promote individual mental, emotional, physical, spiritual and intellectual well being.” The site continues to convey that the benefits of horticultural therapy are, “include physical activity, relaxation and enjoyment, skill development, creative expression, sensory stimulation, intellectual and personal growth, social interaction, a sense of productivity and self-satisfaction and a spiritual connection with life.” This program is geared toward the elderly, prisoners, hospice clients, and at-risk youth. One inmate is quoted as saying, “When I look at these flowers, I feel the stress going right out of me." The benefits of working on your landscape are undeniable. In our society today, the majority of the population is hunched over computers squinting at their screens, talking on cell phones, sending text messages, or watching television. We are stressed, have constant headaches, and struggle with impatience. The possible solution to our problems could probably be found as close as walking out the door. Go outside, take in deep breaths of fresh air, and take pride in your work. Marvel at its impressive results! For more information on the North Carolina Botanical Garden's Horticultural Therapy Program, please visit their website by clicking the link below: North Carolina Botanical Garden's Horticultural Therapy Program