GARDENING: Healing power of forest bathing a balm for mind, body

This week's crown showcases a stunning mix of late-season favourites, blending native beauty with timeless garden classics.

At the heart of the display is the graceful silvergrass, its feathery plumes catching the autumn light. While ornamental, this popular choice comes with a caveat—silvergrass has a habit of spreading its roots a bit too enthusiastically in some regions, so it's something to keep an eye on.

Grounding the arrangement is the dependable Autumn Joy sedum, a classic perennial that thrives from spring  to fall. This heat and drought-resistant plant boasts lush, grey-green succulent leaves and tiny, starry pink flowers that turn rich rose-red, and finally, coppery-rust as the season cools. It’s a pollinator magnet, drawing in bees and butterflies alike.

Adding a wild touch are the native artichoke flowers and New England asters, offering their own palette of deep  hues and pollinator-friendly blooms. And as we transition into fall, the sunflower seed pods take centre stage as  a vital food source for birds and wildlife, their dried heads full of seeds providing sustenance for creatures preparing for the colder months.

Together, these plants create a stunning display of resilience, perfectly timed as the garden begins to wind down for the season.

The essentials of forest bathing

Ok, gardeners—you’ve worked hard all spring, summer, and into the fall.

Now you've earned a little downtime  and reflection to step away and enjoy the seasonal change. As the seasons turn and the air becomes crisp with the sweet scent of maple leaves, there’s a call that resonates deep within. It's time to unplug, lace up those boots and head to the forest.

The Japanese have a term for this practice—shinrin-yoku, or forest bathing, which offers a counterbalance to the country's intense work culture, where long hours and high-pressure environments are common. The term karoshi, meaning "death by overwork," arose to describe the toll of this hyper-driven economy.

So let’s set aside the to-do lists and future plans, and instead take a slow, intentional walk under a canopy of trees, soaking in the peace, beauty and vitality the forest provides.

After a busy season of tending your garden, this is your time to recharge. Just as your plants have given you so much, now it’s your turn to be nourished by nature in its raw, untouched form. Let the rustling leaves and earthy smells ground you, reflecting on all you’ve accomplished. Your garden will be waiting for you when the  time is right, but for now, let the forest be your sanctuary.

We are so fortunate to live in such a beautiful country with vast forests and green spaces that stretch for miles. Canada’s wilderness is a gift and from coast to coast, the opportunity to step into an untouched forest, breathe in the woodsy scents and walk through a world painted in the reds and golds of fall, is truly something special.

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(Pinterest photos)

Did you know that Canada is home to nine per cent of the world’s forests?

That’s a vast expanse of nature waiting to be explored! Whether you're in the towering old-growth forests of British Columbia or among the vibrant fall colours of Ontario’s hardwoods, nature here is nothing short of breathtaking.

So, take a moment to marvel at the wonder around you. We live in a beautiful country—let's never forget how lucky we are to have access to such abundant, restorative green spaces.

The art of forest bathing

Unlike traditional meditation, which many find challenging due to the difficulty of calming a chaotic mind, forest bathing naturally helps to reach a peaceful state. By combining movement and mindfulness, it becomes a “moving meditation.”

There’s no need to sit in a stiff lotus position; instead, you stroll under the forest canopy, breathe in the scents of the trees and let the rhythmic sound of rustling leaves quiet the inner noise.

The healing power of nature and green spaces act as a balm for the mind and body.

Within minutes of entering a forest, our blood pressure stabilizes, stress hormones like cortisol drop, and muscle tension releases. And after just 20 minutes, studies show that we start to feel more energized, our thoughts become clearer and our mood begins to lift. Imagine how transformative longer sessions in the forest can be!

When we inhale these forest compounds, they trigger our parasympathetic nervous system, the "rest and digest" mode, and increase the production of anti-cancer proteins.

There’s something about the forest that brings perspective. Trees stretch towards the sky, centuries-old, silent witnesses to the cycles of life. They remind us that life is bigger than our worries—leaves fall and return each year, unhurried by our anxieties. Walking in the forest reminds us that we, too, belong to this web, to something ancient and powerful.

And the best part is, the forest is always there, waiting for us to return, season after season.

A forest bathing practice for mindful connection with nature's cycles

Once you’ve arrived at a local park or nature reserve, take a moment to simply be present. Inhale deeply, filling your lungs with the cool, crisp air of autumn and begin to tune in to the world around you.

Start by focusing on one thing at a time. Perhaps it’s the distant song of a bird, the gentle rustling of leaves overhead, or the dappled sunlight flickering through the canopy. Let your senses guide you, slowly bringing your awareness to the details that might normally go unnoticed.

To help you get into the flow, here are a few prompts to deepen your experience:

What do you see? Look closely at the world around you—notice the texture of the leaves, the play of light or the way the colours shift with the changing season.

What sounds can you hear? Tune in to the symphony of the forest, whether it’s the chatter of squirrels, the whisper of the wind or the distant call of migrating geese.

Can you breathe deeply? Feel the air move through your body. Let each breath anchor you to the present moment, releasing any tension or distractions.

What can you touch? Reach out to feel the cool bark of a tree or the softness of fallen leaves. Notice how nature’s textures change with the season, grounding you through touch.

By immersing yourself in this mindful practice, you’ll find that forest bathing isn’t just about relaxation—it’s about cultivating a deeper awareness and appreciation for the changing world around you.

(Ontario Parks photo)

There’s no better way to soak in the beauty of autumn than by embarking on a scenic fall road trip through Ontario’s parks. The crisp air, vibrant colours and the crunch of leaves underfoot create the perfect atmosphere for adventure, whether you’re hiking, canoeing or simply enjoying the drive.

To help plan your trip, the Fall Colours at Ontario Parks Report tracks the changing colours across the province.

For an extra touch of seasonal charm, consider adding apple picking at southern Ontario orchards or stopping by local craft breweries along your route. These experiences can round out your fall adventure with local flavours and experiences.

Whether you seek the challenge of a rugged hike, the serenity of a canoe trip or a relaxing scenic drive, fall in Ontario’s parks offers something for everyone to enjoy during this magical season.

Monika Rekola is a certified landscape designer and horticulturist, passionate about  gardening and sustainable living. As a budding homesteader and garden writer, she  shares her love for recycling, repurposing and birdwatching. Monika is dedicated to ecological gardening, aiming to balance our delicate ecosystem. Contact her at [email protected].