Plants "Clean" Air Inside Our Homes by Laura Pottorff, Cooperative Extension agent, horticulture, plant pathology.
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Feel better and perform better - There are tremendous benefits from having living plants around us. Research shows improvements in reaction times, reduced stress and heart rate, etc. you can read more about the benefits and the studies ... they also found that plants are useful in absorbing potentially harmful gases and cleaning the air... "Recent findings reveal that flowering plants such as the Gerbera Daisy and Chrysanthemum are extremely potent in purifying interior air. Other good performers are DracaenaMassangeana (Corn Cane), Spathiphyllum (Peace Lily), and Golden Pothos."
http://www.plantscapeinc.com/interior-landscaping/benefits-of-green-plants.html
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NASA Study House Plants Clean Air
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founded in 1990 by B. C. "Bill" Wolverton, Ph.D. (the scientist who originated NASA research), this Company advocates the use of plants and their root-associated microorganisms to biodegrade and treat indoor air and water pollution.
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Richard Louv wrote Last Child in the Woods
"Last Child in the Woods is the first book to bring together a new and growing body of research indicating that direct exposure to nature is essential for healthy childhood development and for the physical and emotional health of children and adults. More than just raising an alarm, Louv offers practical solutions and simple ways to heal the broken bond—and many are right in our own backyard."
the book can be founds at
Link to a five-minute walk in the woods with Richard Louv as he discusses nature-deficit disorder and the themes of his book Last Child in the Woods.
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Horticultural/Plant Therapy:
I have been concerned about the amount of time my children spend inside and on electronic devices. After reviewing Richard Louv's book, worrying about my children and reading the article listed below, I wrote 2 Horticultural Therapy plans. The second on will be implemented Summer 2016 in my home.
(the Journal of Clinical Nursing (Volume 23, Issue 19-20, pages 2698–2715, October 2014)
http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jocn.12388/full
article titled "Benefits of sensory garden and horticultural activities in dementia care: a modified scoping review"
This article talks about - How maintaining the quality of life is important in dementia care. Sensory gardens and horticultural activities are increasingly used in dementia care.)
HORTICULTURAL THERAPY
ACTIVITY PLAN
by Juliet Taylor
GROUP NAME: ____________________
Session Date:____________________
PROGRAM MODEL TYPE: Vocational
Participants: elementary age latch key kids
GOALS:
Help the children connect with nature
Use fine motor skills
Foster expression and creativity
Foster long term care/concern for something other than self
Improve or maintain social skills
METHODS / ACTIVITY SUMMARY:
Assemble Fairy Gardens to learn basic design principles and planting techniques. Learn how to care for living plants. Have participants discuss project with the group.
SUPPLIES:
Wide planting pots/dishes, assorted sizes/shapes with drainage holes
Saucers for above pots/dishes
Various small plants
Potting soil
Small birdhouses
Knick Knacks (small ornaments, ornamental wood, small toy animals)
Popsicle sticks (make a garden gate)
glue
Rocks, assorted sizes for drainage and aesthetics
Watering cans
PROCEDURE:
Briefly discuss good basic design principles
Gather 6 popsicle sticks and glue
glue together the popsicle stick like a garden gate – let dry
Choose pots
Place small layer of rocks on the bottom of pot
Add potting soil to within 1” from lip of the pot
Choose two plants, some knick-knacks and 1 nice rock,
Plant the 2 plants
Water in the plants
Make a dry creek bed with small rocks
Place the knick-knacks, rock and garden gate for aesthetics
Assist participants as needed
REVIEW and FOLLOW-UP NOTES:
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https://www.pinterest.com/4chickens4me/fairy-gardens/
shows ideas to make and do with fairy gardens
Plan for my children while home for the Summer 2016
HORTICULTURAL THERAPY
ACTIVITY PLAN
by Juliet Taylor
GROUP NAME: Fairy Garden Summer Session Date: Summer 2016
PROGRAM MODEL TYPE: Vocational
Participants: my tween girls
GOALS:
Help children to be in nature
Improve planning skills
Foster expression and creativity
Learn plant care
Foster long term care/concern for something other than self
Improve or maintain social skills
METHODS / ACTIVITY SUMMARY:
Plan and design a fairy garden. Make and assemble fairy garden buildings etc. Learn basic design principles and planting techniques. Learn how to care for living plants. Have participants discuss project with me, their friends, and family.
SUPPLIES:
grid paper
pencil
ruler
further supplies per the design planned
PROCEDURE:
look for ideas, discussion
plan and draw the design for the fairy garden
implement the plan
REVIEW and FOLLOW-UP NOTES:
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my fairy garden pins on pinterest
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photo of my girls first drawing and the are that will become the fairy garden
(May 2016 - before picture)
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Now when fall comes and winter approaches, I am planning to have my girls build terrariums that can be kept indoors and mini fairy gardens
Some ideas on my pinterest board