Horticulture Courses: Breathe With Solar Terms

To help caregivers who shoulder long-term caregiving responsibilities alleviate physical and mental stress, TFRD designed a series of therapeutic horticulture courses, creating a healing retreat that brings participants closer to nature and promotes relaxation. 

Running from March to October with a total of eight sessions, the program attracted 17 participants from 13 families across 11 different medical conditions. Participants learned to integrate plants into their daily lives, experiencing the healing power of nature in their daily routines.

The course incorporates the 24 solar terms, spanning from Qīngmíng (Pure Brightness) to Hanlu (Cold Dew). It introduces seasonal plants and related cultural traditions for each term, while strengthening learning through hands-on activities.

For instance, during Qīngmíng, one might craft a herbal massage stick to stimulate acupoints for wellness; in Dashu (Major Heat), prepare grass jelly and Korean sweet soups to cool body and mind; while Hanlu invites making multicolored glutinous rice balls with plant dyes, savoring reunion and happiness in a warm atmosphere.

The instructor also encouraged participants to apply what they learned to their daily lives. For example, plant dyeing with “shoulang yam” was used to produce unique, one-of-a-kind scarves, allowing participants to appreciate the distinctive beauty that emerges from life’s unexpected changes.

Horticultural therapy offers more than sensory enjoyment; it fosters mindfulness and emotional dialogue. Participants shared that observing seasonal transitions helps them attune to their bodies' rhythms, while companionship provides comfort and strength. TFRD hopes to support more rare disease families in finding balance and support through nature by offering horticultural therapy courses.

Translator: David Lee (Becker Muscular Dystrophy)