GARDENING HELPED SAVE ME

I read the story in the January 2018 issue Should Doctors Prescribe Gardening and it evoked memories of when I was ill with burnout and depression many years ago.

I lay on the bed with nothing left, emotionally, physically and mentally. I had resigned from my job to get well. At some point, I decided to go out to the vegetable garden. I remember looking out the back door, wondering if physically I could walk to the first gate that led out to the garden.

Winter had been and the garden was tired with weeds and overgrowth. I sat on the ground digging and weeding, a small line against the wooden fence appeared. This line was soon the length of the garden and wide enough for beans to be planted. The exhaustion was terrible but hope was greater. As the beans grew so did I.

Was it an easy walk to recovery? No. But through dirt, planting and reaping, I was given hope. To those who are unwell and don’t have a garden, even tending a pot plant can be healing, or the sensory smell of a rosemary or a lavender plant. I do some pottery, and for my own pleasure and gifts, I make garden plaques to remind people to find peace in the garden instead of thinking their garden has to be perfect and letting stress build. People read them as they stroll by.

I know I am one of the lucky ones who can talk about my experience and hopefully help others as I want to do with this letter. For those with mental health issues, I would love to think I could inspire you and maybe give you hope. Raywyn Lewer, KATIKATI