"Healing Gardens" was the topic of a recent presentation to the Claussville Garden Club by Penn State Gardener Becky Bowen.

Her talk emphasized how the use of some gardens serve to heal.

Bowen referred to ancient times, different cultures and Japanese gardens typical of the 16th century.

"Mankind has turned to nature," she said, adding Moorish gardens date back to 3000 B.C.

Water also became a healing element.

"Every community needs gardens containing healing elements," Bowen said. "Viewing nature at work is a good thing. It creates better communities of people and benefits health and well being."

Organizations such as hospital centers, retirement homes or even private homes can provide opportunities to view nature.

Healing gardens help social connections improve, people gather, interact and build relationships.

These type of gardens show signs of economic development, attract employers and employees, and enhance real estate values, she explained.

Types of healing gardens include: comforting, serenity, meditation, memory, wandering, therapeutic, enabling and sensory.

There are fun plants children can enjoy and certain plants make everyone feel good.

Local healing gardens can be seen or visited at Lehigh Valley Hospital, Good Shepherd Home, Gracedale and the Angel 34 program.