Experience
Explore our interconnectedness with nature through various people-plant interactions.
Read
Catch up on published research findings and other writing related to people-plant interactions.
![Apparently it was Earth Day yesterday (isn't every day Earth Day?). We happened to be a part of something exciting that also became a great opportunity for mindfulness practice. Yes, I was wearing shorts. Thankful for bee-loving and nature-attuned people in our midst!
(Thank you Michelle for the videos)
#workingwithnature]()
!["Take one cup of love, two cups of loyalty, three cups of forgiveness, four quarts of faith and one barrel of laughter. Take love and loyalty and mix them thoroughly with faith; blend with tenderness, kindness and understanding. Add friendship and hope. Sprinkle abundantly with laughter. Bake it with sunshine. Wrap it regularly with lots of hugs. Serve generous helpings daily."
- Zig Ziglar
#selfcare #mentalhealth #abundance]()
![Our lime tree is no stranger to feathered and winged visitors but lately, we’ve had our first resident birds – the yellow-vented bulbul! A few observations:
1. They are much more skittish than the spotted doves which have built a nest in another side of the balcony garden
2. They are fantastic weavers
3. They sing a lot!
The eggs have hatched and here’s a short video of the chick(s). Do you see 1 or 2 of them?
Stacking functions is a significant element in permaculture design, and it ties in so well with the therapeutic benefits we facilitate in therapeutic horticulture and horticultural therapy. Plants are not grown just “for fun” or to serve only one function of, say, providing food. Here, the lime tree provides shelter for the birds, serves as a host plant for butterflies, produces fruit, creates a canopy for shade-loving plants, and offers multiple opportunities for experiencing awe.
“Awe engages five processes—shifts in neurophysiology, a diminished focus on the self, increased prosocial relationality, greater social integration, and a heightened sense of meaning—that benefit well-being (Monroy & Keltner, 2022, p.309).” Cultivating plants does not have to be a selfish act where only the gardener benefits. The sooner we recognise our interconnectedness with nature, the more we will all benefit.
Monroy, M., & Keltner, D. (2022). Awe as a pathway to mental and physical health. Perspectives on Psychological Science, 18(2), 309–320. https://doi.org/10.1177/17456916221094856
#therapeutichorticulture #horticulturaltherapy #permaculture]()
![Our lime tree is no stranger to feathered and winged visitors but lately, we’ve had our first resident birds – the yellow-vented bulbul! A few observations:
1. They are much more skittish than the spotted doves which have built a nest in another side of the balcony garden
2. They are fantastic weavers
3. They sing a lot!
The eggs have hatched and here’s a short video of the chick(s). Do you see 1 or 2 of them?
Stacking functions is a significant element in permaculture design, and it ties in so well with the therapeutic benefits we facilitate in therapeutic horticulture and horticultural therapy. Plants are not grown just “for fun” or to serve only one function of, say, providing food. Here, the lime tree provides shelter for the birds, serves as a host plant for butterflies, produces fruit, creates a canopy for shade-loving plants, and offers multiple opportunities for experiencing awe.
“Awe engages five processes—shifts in neurophysiology, a diminished focus on the self, increased prosocial relationality, greater social integration, and a heightened sense of meaning—that benefit well-being (Monroy & Keltner, 2022, p.309).” Cultivating plants does not have to be a selfish act where only the gardener benefits. The sooner we recognise our interconnectedness with nature, the more we will all benefit.
Monroy, M., & Keltner, D. (2022). Awe as a pathway to mental and physical health. Perspectives on Psychological Science, 18(2), 309–320. https://doi.org/10.1177/17456916221094856
#therapeutichorticulture #horticulturaltherapy #permaculture]()
![Growing for sustenance - cultivating plants that feed and fill us. Tapioca and sweet potato are not sexy plants that get featured often on social media but these essential crops in southeast Asia are responsible for numerous local dishes - staples, fibre, breakfast, and even dessert. Today we harvest and work some muscles!
#therapeutichorticulture #horticultureforhealth #ediblegardening #permaculture]()
![Tucked away in an inconspicuous corner of the farm, the banana quietly grows. It takes its time to ripen without calling out for attention. Keep a close eye because when it finally ripens, it will take you by surprise and soon there will be too many yummy fruits to finish in time. Silent, but productive.]()
![In our gardens, we are happy to see holes in our leaves because that means our pollinators are growing in numbers 💚🥰
#ecosystem
#symbiosis
#milkweed
#bloodflower
#plaintiger]()
![There's something very rewarding about creating something with your hands. Putting in effort and seeing it transform into a tangible product can have a grounding effect that gives great satisfaction and joy.
Neuroscientist Dr. Kelly Lambert calls this "effort-driven rewards." Specifically, movement (especially hand movement) engages the effort-driven reward circuit in our brain which helps to improve mood and reduce depressive symptoms. I find that it improves self-efficacy too. I mean, hey, I just saved an orchid!
*We were recently gifted a few orchids by a generous donor. This one had some rotten roots so I decided to switch the sphagnum moss out for a better draining medium. I trimmed a lot of the yellow roots even though that is not necessarily a sign of root rot - just a lack of chlorophyll. But there were some new healthy roots emerging so I decided to do it anyway. I'm not an orchid expert so here's hoping all goes well. Final bit of spring cleaning as we welcome the Chinese New Year.]()
![Last weekend I had the opportunity to dip my toes into rattan weaving with the Ukit/Bhuket community from Sarawak! I was fortunate to have met a craft researcher who brought along crafts made in Kelantan and she shared them with the artisans as they studied the different weaving patterns and made comparisons. What a fascinating cultural exchange. They figured out the techniques just by looking at the bracelets! Can you guess which is harder to weave??
Really appreciated sitting with them and learning about the different types of rattan used for weaving, as well as how the harvesting and processing involved the whole community. The last recorded population of Ukit/Bhuket in 2023 is 580. The land they have available for planting has been significantly reduced but their art lives on because it is an integral part of their lives. Such rich stories and traditions. I wish I spoke better Malay to be able to ask more questions!]()
Apparently it was Earth Day yesterday (isn't every day Earth Day?). We happened to be a part of something exciting that also became a great opportunity for mindfulness practice. Yes, I was wearing shorts. Thankful for bee-loving and nature-attuned people in our midst!
(Thank you Michelle for the videos)
#workingwithnature3 days ago!["Take one cup of love, two cups of loyalty, three cups of forgiveness, four quarts of faith and one barrel of laughter. Take love and loyalty and mix them thoroughly with faith; blend with tenderness, kindness and understanding. Add friendship and hope. Sprinkle abundantly with laughter. Bake it with sunshine. Wrap it regularly with lots of hugs. Serve generous helpings daily."
- Zig Ziglar
#selfcare #mentalhealth #abundance]()
"Take one cup of love, two cups of loyalty, three cups of forgiveness, four quarts of faith and one barrel of laughter. Take love and loyalty and mix them thoroughly with faith; blend with tenderness, kindness and understanding. Add friendship and hope. Sprinkle abundantly with laughter. Bake it with sunshine. Wrap it regularly with lots of hugs. Serve generous helpings daily."
- Zig Ziglar
#selfcare #mentalhealth #abundance1 week ago
Our lime tree is no stranger to feathered and winged visitors but lately, we’ve had our first resident birds – the yellow-vented bulbul! A few observations:
1. They are much more skittish than the spotted doves which have built a nest in another side of the balcony garden
2. They are fantastic weavers
3. They sing a lot!
The eggs have hatched and here’s a short video of the chick(s). Do you see 1 or 2 of them?
Stacking functions is a significant element in permaculture design, and it ties in so well with the therapeutic benefits we facilitate in therapeutic horticulture and horticultural therapy. Plants are not grown just “for fun” or to serve only one function of, say, providing food. Here, the lime tree provides shelter for the birds, serves as a host plant for butterflies, produces fruit, creates a canopy for shade-loving plants, and offers multiple opportunities for experiencing awe.
“Awe engages five processes—shifts in neurophysiology, a diminished focus on the self, increased prosocial relationality, greater social integration, and a heightened sense of meaning—that benefit well-being (Monroy & Keltner, 2022, p.309).” Cultivating plants does not have to be a selfish act where only the gardener benefits. The sooner we recognise our interconnectedness with nature, the more we will all benefit.
Monroy, M., & Keltner, D. (2022). Awe as a pathway to mental and physical health. Perspectives on Psychological Science, 18(2), 309–320. https://doi.org/10.1177/17456916221094856
#therapeutichorticulture #horticulturaltherapy #permaculture2 weeks ago![Our lime tree is no stranger to feathered and winged visitors but lately, we’ve had our first resident birds – the yellow-vented bulbul! A few observations:
1. They are much more skittish than the spotted doves which have built a nest in another side of the balcony garden
2. They are fantastic weavers
3. They sing a lot!
The eggs have hatched and here’s a short video of the chick(s). Do you see 1 or 2 of them?
Stacking functions is a significant element in permaculture design, and it ties in so well with the therapeutic benefits we facilitate in therapeutic horticulture and horticultural therapy. Plants are not grown just “for fun” or to serve only one function of, say, providing food. Here, the lime tree provides shelter for the birds, serves as a host plant for butterflies, produces fruit, creates a canopy for shade-loving plants, and offers multiple opportunities for experiencing awe.
“Awe engages five processes—shifts in neurophysiology, a diminished focus on the self, increased prosocial relationality, greater social integration, and a heightened sense of meaning—that benefit well-being (Monroy & Keltner, 2022, p.309).” Cultivating plants does not have to be a selfish act where only the gardener benefits. The sooner we recognise our interconnectedness with nature, the more we will all benefit.
Monroy, M., & Keltner, D. (2022). Awe as a pathway to mental and physical health. Perspectives on Psychological Science, 18(2), 309–320. https://doi.org/10.1177/17456916221094856
#therapeutichorticulture #horticulturaltherapy #permaculture]()
Our lime tree is no stranger to feathered and winged visitors but lately, we’ve had our first resident birds – the yellow-vented bulbul! A few observations:
1. They are much more skittish than the spotted doves which have built a nest in another side of the balcony garden
2. They are fantastic weavers
3. They sing a lot!
The eggs have hatched and here’s a short video of the chick(s). Do you see 1 or 2 of them?
Stacking functions is a significant element in permaculture design, and it ties in so well with the therapeutic benefits we facilitate in therapeutic horticulture and horticultural therapy. Plants are not grown just “for fun” or to serve only one function of, say, providing food. Here, the lime tree provides shelter for the birds, serves as a host plant for butterflies, produces fruit, creates a canopy for shade-loving plants, and offers multiple opportunities for experiencing awe.
“Awe engages five processes—shifts in neurophysiology, a diminished focus on the self, increased prosocial relationality, greater social integration, and a heightened sense of meaning—that benefit well-being (Monroy & Keltner, 2022, p.309).” Cultivating plants does not have to be a selfish act where only the gardener benefits. The sooner we recognise our interconnectedness with nature, the more we will all benefit.
Monroy, M., & Keltner, D. (2022). Awe as a pathway to mental and physical health. Perspectives on Psychological Science, 18(2), 309–320. https://doi.org/10.1177/17456916221094856
#therapeutichorticulture #horticulturaltherapy #permaculture2 weeks ago![Growing for sustenance - cultivating plants that feed and fill us. Tapioca and sweet potato are not sexy plants that get featured often on social media but these essential crops in southeast Asia are responsible for numerous local dishes - staples, fibre, breakfast, and even dessert. Today we harvest and work some muscles!
#therapeutichorticulture #horticultureforhealth #ediblegardening #permaculture]()
Growing for sustenance - cultivating plants that feed and fill us. Tapioca and sweet potato are not sexy plants that get featured often on social media but these essential crops in southeast Asia are responsible for numerous local dishes - staples, fibre, breakfast, and even dessert. Today we harvest and work some muscles!
#therapeutichorticulture #horticultureforhealth #ediblegardening #permaculture3 weeks ago![Tucked away in an inconspicuous corner of the farm, the banana quietly grows. It takes its time to ripen without calling out for attention. Keep a close eye because when it finally ripens, it will take you by surprise and soon there will be too many yummy fruits to finish in time. Silent, but productive.]()
Tucked away in an inconspicuous corner of the farm, the banana quietly grows. It takes its time to ripen without calling out for attention. Keep a close eye because when it finally ripens, it will take you by surprise and soon there will be too many yummy fruits to finish in time. Silent, but productive.4 weeks ago
In our gardens, we are happy to see holes in our leaves because that means our pollinators are growing in numbers 💚🥰
#ecosystem
#symbiosis
#milkweed
#bloodflower
#plaintiger3 months ago
There's something very rewarding about creating something with your hands. Putting in effort and seeing it transform into a tangible product can have a grounding effect that gives great satisfaction and joy.
Neuroscientist Dr. Kelly Lambert calls this "effort-driven rewards." Specifically, movement (especially hand movement) engages the effort-driven reward circuit in our brain which helps to improve mood and reduce depressive symptoms. I find that it improves self-efficacy too. I mean, hey, I just saved an orchid!
*We were recently gifted a few orchids by a generous donor. This one had some rotten roots so I decided to switch the sphagnum moss out for a better draining medium. I trimmed a lot of the yellow roots even though that is not necessarily a sign of root rot - just a lack of chlorophyll. But there were some new healthy roots emerging so I decided to do it anyway. I'm not an orchid expert so here's hoping all goes well. Final bit of spring cleaning as we welcome the Chinese New Year.3 months ago![Last weekend I had the opportunity to dip my toes into rattan weaving with the Ukit/Bhuket community from Sarawak! I was fortunate to have met a craft researcher who brought along crafts made in Kelantan and she shared them with the artisans as they studied the different weaving patterns and made comparisons. What a fascinating cultural exchange. They figured out the techniques just by looking at the bracelets! Can you guess which is harder to weave??
Really appreciated sitting with them and learning about the different types of rattan used for weaving, as well as how the harvesting and processing involved the whole community. The last recorded population of Ukit/Bhuket in 2023 is 580. The land they have available for planting has been significantly reduced but their art lives on because it is an integral part of their lives. Such rich stories and traditions. I wish I spoke better Malay to be able to ask more questions!]()
![Last weekend I had the opportunity to dip my toes into rattan weaving with the Ukit/Bhuket community from Sarawak! I was fortunate to have met a craft researcher who brought along crafts made in Kelantan and she shared them with the artisans as they studied the different weaving patterns and made comparisons. What a fascinating cultural exchange. They figured out the techniques just by looking at the bracelets! Can you guess which is harder to weave??
Really appreciated sitting with them and learning about the different types of rattan used for weaving, as well as how the harvesting and processing involved the whole community. The last recorded population of Ukit/Bhuket in 2023 is 580. The land they have available for planting has been significantly reduced but their art lives on because it is an integral part of their lives. Such rich stories and traditions. I wish I spoke better Malay to be able to ask more questions!]()
![Last weekend I had the opportunity to dip my toes into rattan weaving with the Ukit/Bhuket community from Sarawak! I was fortunate to have met a craft researcher who brought along crafts made in Kelantan and she shared them with the artisans as they studied the different weaving patterns and made comparisons. What a fascinating cultural exchange. They figured out the techniques just by looking at the bracelets! Can you guess which is harder to weave??
Really appreciated sitting with them and learning about the different types of rattan used for weaving, as well as how the harvesting and processing involved the whole community. The last recorded population of Ukit/Bhuket in 2023 is 580. The land they have available for planting has been significantly reduced but their art lives on because it is an integral part of their lives. Such rich stories and traditions. I wish I spoke better Malay to be able to ask more questions!]()
![Last weekend I had the opportunity to dip my toes into rattan weaving with the Ukit/Bhuket community from Sarawak! I was fortunate to have met a craft researcher who brought along crafts made in Kelantan and she shared them with the artisans as they studied the different weaving patterns and made comparisons. What a fascinating cultural exchange. They figured out the techniques just by looking at the bracelets! Can you guess which is harder to weave??
Really appreciated sitting with them and learning about the different types of rattan used for weaving, as well as how the harvesting and processing involved the whole community. The last recorded population of Ukit/Bhuket in 2023 is 580. The land they have available for planting has been significantly reduced but their art lives on because it is an integral part of their lives. Such rich stories and traditions. I wish I spoke better Malay to be able to ask more questions!]()
Last weekend I had the opportunity to dip my toes into rattan weaving with the Ukit/Bhuket community from Sarawak! I was fortunate to have met a craft researcher who brought along crafts made in Kelantan and she shared them with the artisans as they studied the different weaving patterns and made comparisons. What a fascinating cultural exchange. They figured out the techniques just by looking at the bracelets! Can you guess which is harder to weave??
Really appreciated sitting with them and learning about the different types of rattan used for weaving, as well as how the harvesting and processing involved the whole community. The last recorded population of Ukit/Bhuket in 2023 is 580. The land they have available for planting has been significantly reduced but their art lives on because it is an integral part of their lives. Such rich stories and traditions. I wish I spoke better Malay to be able to ask more questions!3 months ago
Apparently it was Earth Day yesterday (isn't every day Earth Day?). We happened to be a part of something exciting that also became a great opportunity for mindfulness practice. Yes, I was wearing shorts. Thankful for bee-loving and nature-attuned people in our midst!
(Thank you Michelle for the videos)
#workingwithnature
3 days ago
"Take one cup of love, two cups of loyalty, three cups of forgiveness, four quarts of faith and one barrel of laughter. Take love and loyalty and mix them thoroughly with faith; blend with tenderness, kindness and understanding. Add friendship and hope. Sprinkle abundantly with laughter. Bake it with sunshine. Wrap it regularly with lots of hugs. Serve generous helpings daily."
- Zig Ziglar
#selfcare #mentalhealth #abundance
1 week ago
Our lime tree is no stranger to feathered and winged visitors but lately, we’ve had our first resident birds – the yellow-vented bulbul! A few observations:
1. They are much more skittish than the spotted doves which have built a nest in another side of the balcony garden
2. They are fantastic weavers
3. They sing a lot!
The eggs have hatched and here’s a short video of the chick(s). Do you see 1 or 2 of them?
Stacking functions is a significant element in permaculture design, and it ties in so well with the therapeutic benefits we facilitate in therapeutic horticulture and horticultural therapy. Plants are not grown just “for fun” or to serve only one function of, say, providing food. Here, the lime tree provides shelter for the birds, serves as a host plant for butterflies, produces fruit, creates a canopy for shade-loving plants, and offers multiple opportunities for experiencing awe.
“Awe engages five processes—shifts in neurophysiology, a diminished focus on the self, increased prosocial relationality, greater social integration, and a heightened sense of meaning—that benefit well-being (Monroy & Keltner, 2022, p.309).” Cultivating plants does not have to be a selfish act where only the gardener benefits. The sooner we recognise our interconnectedness with nature, the more we will all benefit.
Monroy, M., & Keltner, D. (2022). Awe as a pathway to mental and physical health. Perspectives on Psychological Science, 18(2), 309–320. https://doi.org/10.1177/17456916221094856
#therapeutichorticulture #horticulturaltherapy #permaculture
2 weeks ago
Our lime tree is no stranger to feathered and winged visitors but lately, we’ve had our first resident birds – the yellow-vented bulbul! A few observations:
1. They are much more skittish than the spotted doves which have built a nest in another side of the balcony garden
2. They are fantastic weavers
3. They sing a lot!
The eggs have hatched and here’s a short video of the chick(s). Do you see 1 or 2 of them?
Stacking functions is a significant element in permaculture design, and it ties in so well with the therapeutic benefits we facilitate in therapeutic horticulture and horticultural therapy. Plants are not grown just “for fun” or to serve only one function of, say, providing food. Here, the lime tree provides shelter for the birds, serves as a host plant for butterflies, produces fruit, creates a canopy for shade-loving plants, and offers multiple opportunities for experiencing awe.
“Awe engages five processes—shifts in neurophysiology, a diminished focus on the self, increased prosocial relationality, greater social integration, and a heightened sense of meaning—that benefit well-being (Monroy & Keltner, 2022, p.309).” Cultivating plants does not have to be a selfish act where only the gardener benefits. The sooner we recognise our interconnectedness with nature, the more we will all benefit.
Monroy, M., & Keltner, D. (2022). Awe as a pathway to mental and physical health. Perspectives on Psychological Science, 18(2), 309–320. https://doi.org/10.1177/17456916221094856
#therapeutichorticulture #horticulturaltherapy #permaculture
2 weeks ago
Growing for sustenance - cultivating plants that feed and fill us. Tapioca and sweet potato are not sexy plants that get featured often on social media but these essential crops in southeast Asia are responsible for numerous local dishes - staples, fibre, breakfast, and even dessert. Today we harvest and work some muscles!
#therapeutichorticulture #horticultureforhealth #ediblegardening #permaculture
3 weeks ago
Tucked away in an inconspicuous corner of the farm, the banana quietly grows. It takes its time to ripen without calling out for attention. Keep a close eye because when it finally ripens, it will take you by surprise and soon there will be too many yummy fruits to finish in time. Silent, but productive.
4 weeks ago
In our gardens, we are happy to see holes in our leaves because that means our pollinators are growing in numbers 💚🥰
#ecosystem
#symbiosis
#milkweed
#bloodflower
#plaintiger
3 months ago
There's something very rewarding about creating something with your hands. Putting in effort and seeing it transform into a tangible product can have a grounding effect that gives great satisfaction and joy.
Neuroscientist Dr. Kelly Lambert calls this "effort-driven rewards." Specifically, movement (especially hand movement) engages the effort-driven reward circuit in our brain which helps to improve mood and reduce depressive symptoms. I find that it improves self-efficacy too. I mean, hey, I just saved an orchid!
*We were recently gifted a few orchids by a generous donor. This one had some rotten roots so I decided to switch the sphagnum moss out for a better draining medium. I trimmed a lot of the yellow roots even though that is not necessarily a sign of root rot - just a lack of chlorophyll. But there were some new healthy roots emerging so I decided to do it anyway. I'm not an orchid expert so here's hoping all goes well. Final bit of spring cleaning as we welcome the Chinese New Year.
3 months ago
Last weekend I had the opportunity to dip my toes into rattan weaving with the Ukit/Bhuket community from Sarawak! I was fortunate to have met a craft researcher who brought along crafts made in Kelantan and she shared them with the artisans as they studied the different weaving patterns and made comparisons. What a fascinating cultural exchange. They figured out the techniques just by looking at the bracelets! Can you guess which is harder to weave??
Really appreciated sitting with them and learning about the different types of rattan used for weaving, as well as how the harvesting and processing involved the whole community. The last recorded population of Ukit/Bhuket in 2023 is 580. The land they have available for planting has been significantly reduced but their art lives on because it is an integral part of their lives. Such rich stories and traditions. I wish I spoke better Malay to be able to ask more questions!
3 months ago