PRHC & Otonabee Conservation Partner To Plant Trees & Pollinator Garden In Mental Health Courtyard At Hospital
/Otonabee Conservation and Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) planted four trees and a pollinator garden in the new Mental Health Courtyard at PRHC on Wednesday (September 25th) for National Tree Day. These features will provide opportunities for patients and staff to benefit from the proven positive effects of trees and proximity to nature.
The four tree species selected are representative of the four seasons. In fall, the Autumn Blaze Maple will feature prominent red foliage; the White Spruce will provide greenery all winter long; a Crabapple tree represents spring, when its blooms are fragrant and showy; and a Gingko tree is a hearty, drought-tolerant tree for summer.
Photo courtesy Otonabee Conservation
“The health benefits of being close to nature are widely known,” says PRHC’s Christina Beatty. “There is a strong connection between seeing, hearing and experiencing nature, and reducing negative emotions. Many studies have shown that nature can help relieve stress, anxiety and depression. We are looking forward to bringing nature closer to our staff and patients at PRHC.”
In addition, a pollinator garden in the courtyard further enhances habitat and opportunities for patient engagement with nature. Native wildflower species including Bee Balm, Purple Coneflower and White Turtlehead will help attract butterflies, native bees and birds to the courtyard.
Photo courtesy Otonabee Conservation
