This article was originally published on January 8, 2018 by Diana Kees.
According to the 18th century English poet Alfred Austin, “To nurture a garden is to feed not just the body, but the soul.”
Dr. Natasha Donnelly, assistant manager of Juvenile Health Services, is the brainchild behind the project that will bring specially designed natural areas – sensory gardens – to Chatham Youth Development Center in Siler City and Cumberland Regional Juvenile Detention Center in Fayetteville, NC. Sensory gardens include plants and design elements that will provide experiences for heightened sight, smell, hearing, touch and taste.
Studies suggest that being able to see trees and flowers reduces agitation and aggression, and promotes healing. Donnelly envisions the gardens as a place where staff can more easily initiate healthy conversations with children in secure custody, and “a starting place for recovery, renewal and (to relearn) social skills for a healthier and more productive life.” These on-site gardens could also help the children to start developing skills working in the garden that can help them as they return to their communities.
Photo Credit: Juliana Malta
TFTC Gardens© 