As we honor the dedication and sacrifice of our veterans this Veterans Day on November 11, we also acknowledge the journey many take to find peace and healing after serving. For centuries, connecting with nature has offered a unique path for veterans seeking calm, resilience, and reconnection. Gardening, in particular, has been a profoundly transformative activity for many service members, providing a natural means for managing stress, healing trauma, and rebuilding a sense of purpose.
Historically, gardening has been a powerful tool for healing in times of recovery and reflection. Let’s explore some notable ways veterans have turned to the earth over the years to find restoration and grounding.
During World War I, nations encouraged citizens, including veterans returning from combat, to create “Victory Gardens.” These were personal and community gardens that served dual purposes: they helped supplement food supplies and provided a therapeutic space for soldiers. For many veterans, the simple act of planting seeds, tending to the soil, and watching life grow again helped them cope with the emotional toll of war. The physical work and quiet time spent outdoors served as a powerful, restorative force as soldiers adjusted back to civilian life.
Horticultural therapy was formally introduced as a treatment for veterans during World War II. Doctors noticed that patients who worked with plants showed marked improvements in their physical, emotional, and psychological health. Many VA hospitals incorporated gardens into their recovery centers, providing patients with the chance to rehabilitate through gardening activities. This approach to mental health recovery soon gained momentum, showing that nature could offer a sanctuary where veterans could process experiences, handle trauma, and start their journey to healing.
During the Vietnam War, many veterans struggled with reintegration upon their return. Seeking ways to manage post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), some Vietnam veterans found a path to recovery through gardening. Planting a seed or nurturing a flower bed became a metaphor for rebuilding life after trauma, as many veterans found solace in growing things. Today, these gardens continue to serve as safe spaces for peace and reflection, allowing veterans to work through their experiences in a natural, nonjudgmental setting.
Studies have repeatedly shown that spending time outdoors is beneficial for mental health, lowering stress, anxiety, and symptoms of depression. For veterans, gardening can uniquely address the mental and emotional wounds associated with service.
Here are a few ways gardening continues to impact veterans positively:
Many organizations recognize the unique benefits of gardening for veterans and actively work to make these opportunities accessible to more veterans across the country. Let’s highlight a few that are making a real impact:
The connection between veterans and gardening has deep roots, reaching back through history to remind us of nature’s innate ability to heal and restore. This Veterans Day, we celebrate those who have served by honoring the therapeutic role of gardens in their lives. Through gardening, veterans find a place of solace, reflection, and hope—a quiet yet powerful reminder of life’s resilience.
To all veterans: thank you for your service and sacrifice. May your path to healing be filled with growth, peace, and the beauty of nature.
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