Natural History Wanderings

NPR had a story about research on gardening and mental health. Although it is unclear about the science of how gardening affects the mind and brain, scientists are aware that gardening has a calming effect and reduces stress. What is known is that it does decrease the hormone cortisol, which is has a role in the stress response. Research is studying if gardening can be beneficial to  homeless, ex-convicts on probation,  hospital patients and troubled youths. Read more at: Can Gardening Help Troubled Minds Heal? : The Salt : NPR.