A one day symposium being hosted by the Warragul District Garden Club aims to raise awareness of how gardens, and a return to nature, can play a major role in the treatment of mental health and other health issues.
The event will be held at the West Gippsland Arts Centre on Sunday (March 4).
Keynote speaker Sue Stuart-Smith from the UK, is a psychiatrist, psychotherapist, and author of the book "The Well-Gardened Mind." Her book describes her research into how gardens, involvement in horticulture and a return to nature, can improve a participant's physical, emotional, and social wellbeing.
Sue will be joined by Australian presenters, Steven Wells (Austin Health) and Tanya Bearup (My Garden Space), both specialists in evidence-based, ethical, and person-centred horticultural therapy.
The symposium will hear about "nature script" - the value of spending time in nature with a counsellor or horticultural therapist rather than using pharmaceutical drugs.
Nature prescribing may include nature-based activities that enhance both physical and mental health in patients suffering stress, depression, and other disorders. It may be particularly valuable in those patients that are being rehabilitated following serious trauma after road accidents or military service.
A panel discussion with all three speakers will finish the day. Attendees will be able to gain practical knowledge on how they can apply this drug-free practice to patients under their support and care.
The event will include a flower arranging competition open to everyone and judging will be via "peoples' choice by delegates. Tickets can be obtained at www.sales.wgac.com.au .
More information is available on www.warragulgardenclub.org