Therapy Gardening and Pizza

Last Updated on April 5, 2026 by Lisa Keys

Therapy Gardening and Pizza. Inspired by what is growing in the garden I conjure up all kinds of new recipes.

What makes creating a garden so therapeutic? A day spent in the yard is typically hard work. It involves getting sweaty and now (at my age) a little achy. What is so great about clearing weeds? Or, worse picking off icky intrusive insects and dropping them into a glass of soapy water? Why do I choose to dig my hands into the dirt rather than that soothing soak at the salon followed by choosing a trendy shade of nail color?

Baby butternut squash...needs more time.

There is something healing about the interaction with nature. Much like cooking and baking, gardening is a bit of science, art and magic. The results are a feast for the eyes, nose and taste buds. It is a wonder every single time a seed planted grows into something beautiful. There are flowers to decorate the living room or something to cook. It sends me into a creative frenzy in the kitchen.

Clearly, the garden is like a private grocery store, only better. More fragrant and fresh what's just picked is what's for dinner. It's totally worth digging dirt out from underneath those unpolished finger nails.

The garden also brings me back to simpler times with my kids. The lure of the internet and video games wasn't there for them. Playing in the dirt or in the woods is where they'd be.

Gardening Therapy

Today, as I see my Caitlin designing her own gardens and planting her own seeds I am ever so grateful that she continues to find comfort among the beauty only Mother Nature can give. As we continue to share and grow our spaces together there is nothing better than the joy in her voice or the stars in her eyes as she marvels over fields of sunflowers or the tasty fragrance of fresh picked herbs. Yesterday, we discussed some new shrubs for fall planting. This is what makes gardening therapeutic.

Here is what I picked today.

And here is what I turned it into for dinner. Who doesn't love therapy gardening and pizza?

Check out my favorite pizza crust here. What seeds are you planting?