Rooted in Resilience

June 30, 2025

Written By Bobbie Mabe, MA, Horticultural Therapist

Horticultural Therapy at HopeWay

Weeding isn’t typically the highlight of gardening. It’s repetitive, challenging, and not always glamorous. However, in the HopeWay garden, this humble task often becomes a surprising source of healing.

Why Gardening is Good for Mental Health?

Weeding offers a sense of instant gratification that many clients need. While the work done in group and individual therapy can be emotionally intense and sometimes slow to show results, spending just 30 minutes pulling weeds provides a visible transformation. That immediate progress, even if small, can feel incredibly empowering.

For those struggling with anger or frustration, weeding can serve as a safe and healthy outlet. The gross motor movement involved in tearing out weeds helps release endorphins and ease physical tension, similar to the relief felt after playing a contact sport. Repetitive, purposeful tasks like this have also been shown to lower cortisol levels and promote emotional regulation, offering both immediate and lasting benefits.

This can be a simple yet effective grounding practice to carry into everyday life. When things feel overwhelming or you need a healthy release, stepping outside to pull a few weeds can offer a surprising sense of calm and accomplishment. It doesn’t take a big garden or fancy tools, just a few minutes, a patch of soil, and the intention to clear space for something better to grow.