Seek Some Green
When our part of the world lies blanketed under layers of cold snow, memories of spiky green grass and colourful, aromatic flowers seem far, far away. During this time of year, a bit more effort is required to find some plant therapy. Even a small plant encounter can brighten our day.
Soothe Our Souls
Spending time in nature in small ways can soothe our soul and connect us back to the land around us, even in the winter months. Plants offer us multiple ways to enjoy their presence.
Take some time to find plants in homes, at work or school or out in the community, then mindfully tune in to find out how plants affect your nervous system and mood. Even looking at pictures or videos online of plants can shift people’s state of emotions and mind.
| Sight: Look at the patterns and shapes, the shades of green and colours of the plant leaves and flowers. | *Arrowhead Vine, Calathea, Christmas Cactus, Coleus 23 Colorful Houseplants to Warm Up Your Home This Winter |
| Touch: Gently rub or touch plant leaves – some are spiky, soft and furry, waxy or smooth | *The African Violet, Hoya, Jade, Lamb’s Ear, Purple Velvet, Dusty Miller Six Soft and Fuzzy Plants |
| Smell: Breathe in deep to discover the variety of plant and flower aromas. | *Roses, Lavender, Rosemary and Peppermint, Lemon Geranium Top Ten Scented Plants |
| Taste: Nibble a culinary approved, safe option when trying the taste of a plant. | *Basil, Cilantro, Mint, Citrus, Mushrooms Twelve Edible Plants For Your Garden |
| Sound: Sit with some plants, close your eyes and listen to your breathing, to the world around the plant and in your environment. | What Do Plants Sound Like? Plants and the Audible Spectrum |
Plan Plant Adventures
- Immerse yourself at The Leaf biomes and be swept away with warm, aromatic air and walkways full of diverse and colourful plants.
- Find local flower shops and garden sections for a quick plant fix. Safeway, Sobeys and Walmart often have plant sections you can visit with no obligation to purchase.
- Walk through the luscious plant-filled building at the Shelmerdine Greenhouse, open all year round.
- Visit a friend or family member with a “green thumb” to spend some time in their plant-filled home.
- Listen to Sage Garden‘s local gardening and plant podcast with past episodes available.
- Watch an online TED Talk or plant video, check out an online plant or seed store
- A wilder way: how plants can guide our future
- Sit in one of our College’s sunny and plant-filled spots at the Exchange District and Notre Dame Campuses.
- Register for one of Campus Well-Being plant related workshops during this frigid time of year.
- The Fairy Garden workshop where you receive a free potted plant to decorate with magical little ornaments.
- Plus a series of seed planting lunch hour sessions in our Notre Dame Campus Greenhouse (coming soon).
May we all discover the power of plants to spark curiosity and peace in our hearts and minds, through our eyes, noses and fingers, even during the harshest of weather outside our windows.