Earlier this month, I posted a blog of my achievements over the past 12 months. While I’m still proud of all those achievements, it’s time to start looking forward and planning the next year. The first thing on my list is to make clear the purpose of Therapeutic Gardens Australia.

Gardening has always been an important part of my life. Whenever I am stressed or anxious, the simple acts of weeding, watering the garden or picking fruit and vegetables never fail to calm me down. Prior to the birth of my first child, when I miscarried at 17 weeks, gardening was my comfort and my therapy. After the birth of my first child, when I was suffering from postnatal depression and anxiety, my garden kept me sane. After I miscarried an ectopic pregnancy, rupturing my fallopian tube, and died on the operating table - twice - I once again found solace in my garden. As my children grew, and had to learn to live with each of their unique challenges, they found themselves in the garden too, reaping the therapeutic benefits. These days, I even have to race my husband to see who gets to water the garden!

I am one hell of a lucky person to be alive, and I am alive for a reason. I believe that reason is to raise awareness for the benefits of therapeutic gardens, and to work with others to produce as many beautiful, custom-designed gardens as possible. My dream is for everyone to have access to a therapeutic garden.

One of the ways in which I am planning to raise awareness is by joining the Cultivate NSW committee as Vice President. By joining forces, I believe that we will be able to produce even better results for therapeutic gardens and horticultural therapy. I am also working on two more eBooks, detailing the benefits of dementia gardens and healing gardens. With all of this in the works (and more!), I will also be taking the exciting step of expanding this one-woman show into a team.

All photography and film by Luisa Brimble - Click on the link below to view our new film clip

https://vimeo.com/236775109

I love what I do, and I'm looking forward to sharing some more achievements with you soon!

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Therapeutic gardens are wonderful for aiding healing, however if you are suffering from anxiety, postnatal depression, or require support following a miscarriage or other major event, please see the links below for organisations that can help.

Miscarriage - In Australia, up to 1 in 4 confirmed pregnancies end in miscarriage before 20 weeks. If you have experienced a miscarriage and need help and support, contact SANDS Australia http://www.sands.org.au/.

Anxiety - Anxiety is the most common mental health condition in Australia. On average, 1 in 4 people will experience anxiety. If you or someone you know is suffering from depression or anxiety, contact Beyond Blue https://www.beyondblue.org.au/.

Postnatal depression - Post and antenatal depression affects around 100 000 Australian families each year. For information and support on postnatal depression, visit PANDA https://www.panda.org.au/.

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If you would like to share a story on how your garden helps you, send us an email here or message through our Facebook page here.