Healing Through Greenery: How Plants Can Help with the Grieving Process

Last year was a year I'll never forget, yet at the same time can't remember. It was the year my dad passed away. I dont think I will ever forget the way that phone call felt, but in the same breath I can't recall much of the week after. I can only remember the way it made me feel. Profoundly lost, numb, sad beyond tears, anger, fear and a bit of abandonment. How could this happen to my family it was a sudden and unexpected accident that shook us to our core. I felt greif for more then just the loss of my father, I also felt greif for the loss of time we could have spent together, greif for the conversation we could never have, the laughs we cant share anymore, the long but never awkward hugs I would no longer receive. The town i grew up in didn't feel like home anymore, I know now that it's pepole who feel like home not places. 

After some time passed I was left longing to feel close to my father somehow, which left me searching through memories of my dad looking at the man he was. That's how I got into anything to have to do with gardening, because of my father. He was a hell of a gardner, spending hours in his garden with a straw hat on his head and a beer in his hand. That is what he loved to do, he had a green thumb like no other. 

So here I am a year and a half later with over 100 houseplants and more peace then I've had in maybe my whole adult life. I truly feel like I would not have made it this far into my first experience with greif with this much peace and understanding if I hadn't had my fingers in the dirt for most of it. I don't know if it was the distraction or the responsiblity of caring for a living thing that got me this far, maybe it's just the passing of time. I now feel a deep love for growing green things in dirt, as well as i new understanding of the man my father was.

Grieving the loss of a loved one is an incredibly personal and challenging journey. While there is no one-size-fits-all solution to coping with grief, many find solace in the simple act of nurturing plants. The presence of greenery can offer comfort, a sense of purpose, and a connection to life that can be profoundly healing. 

 Let’s explore how plants can support you through the grieving process.

The Therapeutic Benefits of Plants

1. A Living Tribute: Caring for a plant can serve as a living tribute to the person who has passed. Each time you water or tend to the plant, it can be a gentle reminder of the life that was lost, providing a sense of continuity and connection.

2. Mindfulness and Presence: Tending to plants requires mindfulness and attention to the present moment. This can be particularly beneficial during times of grief, as it helps to ground you and provide a break from the overwhelming emotions.

3. Sense of Purpose: Grief can often leave individuals feeling lost and without direction. Taking care of a plant can offer a small but meaningful sense of purpose and routine, helping to structure your day and provide a reason to get out of bed.

4. Connection to Nature: Being around plants and nature has been shown to reduce stress and improve mood. The act of nurturing a living thing can foster a sense of connection to the natural world, which can be incredibly soothing during times of loss.

5. Symbolism and Growth: Plants symbolize growth, renewal, and the cycle of life. Watching a plant grow and thrive can be a powerful reminder that life continues, even in the face of loss.

Choosing the Right Plants

While any plant can bring comfort, some are particularly well-suited to supporting the grieving process:

• Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum): Known for its elegant white flowers, the Peace Lily symbolizes peace and rebirth. It’s also excellent at improving indoor air quality.
• Aloe Vera: This hardy plant is easy to care for and has soothing properties, both physically and emotionally.
• Snake Plant (Sansevieria): Low-maintenance and resilient, the Snake Plant is a great choice for those new to plant care.
• Lavender (Lavandula): Known for its calming scent, Lavender can help reduce anxiety and promote relaxation.
• Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis): Symbolizing remembrance, Rosemary is a fragrant herb that can be a comforting presence in your home.
• Forget-Me-Nots (Myosotis): These dainty blue blossoms represent lasting love and memory, serving as a lovely homage to a cherished one.

Tips for Caring for Your  Garden

To get the most benefit from your plants, it’s important to care for them properly:

• Light: Most houseplants prefer bright, indirect light. Place them near windows but out of direct sunlight.
• Water: Avoid overwatering. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings, and ensure your pots have good drainage.
• Humidity: Many houseplants thrive in high humidity. Mist your plants regularly or place them near a humidifier.
• Temperature: Keep your plants in a stable environment, avoiding drafts and sudden temperature changes.

Conclusion

While plants cannot take away the pain of loss, they can offer a gentle, nurturing presence that supports the healing process. Whether you’re tending to a single plant or creating a small (or large) grief garden, the act of nurturing life can provide comfort, purpose, and a connection to the natural world.

At “Alchemist of the Earth,” we believe in the healing power of plants. Visit our website to explore a variety of houseplants that can help bring a touch of nature’s magic into your life during difficult times. 🌿✨