Gardens help fight depression

An industry study points to more feel-good reason to garden

Gardens are good for your health, right? In order to prove this scientifically, the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens in Delray Beach, Fla., collaborated with the Lynn College of Nursing at Florida Atlantic University to create a program targeting a growing demographic: seniors over age 65 who are dealing with depression. A three-year study showed that walking in the gardens significantly reduced depression symptoms and led the museum to create a biannual program of guided-imagery walks.