The History & Future of Therapeutic Gardens

Have you ever noticed how being in a garden can calm a person’s spirit? Explore this idea when the Marathon County Historical Society presents “The History and Future of Therapeutic Gardens,” another topic in our History Speaks series, at 2 p.m., Saturday, March 16, at the Woodson History Center, 410 McIndoe St., Wausau. Speaker Brianna Wright will look at the many ways gardens have provided health benefits throughout history, by reducing stress, creating community, lifting spirits, increasing self-esteem, and more. She’ll share specific examples of how plants have been used as a tool to improve physical and mental health of populations over the centuries. While therapeutic horticulture is as “ancient as the pyramids,” the practice is still being used as viable treatment option to improve the social, emotional, intellectual, physical and spiritual wellbeing of people around the globe. Brianna Wright is a horticulture educator with University of Wisconsin-Madison Extension in Marathon County. There is no admission fee; however, donations are appreciated. Registration is not required. The Historical Society is grateful to Janke Book Store and to Compass Properties for their sponsorship of the History Speaks series.