The Mediterranean Landscape Association, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting sustainability, Mediterranean landscaping and creating therapeutic gardens led by Valencian landscaper Javier Coves, has initiated a campaign to restore school gardens and therapeutic spaces damaged by the DANA storm on October 29, 2024.

The campaign, titled ‘Sponsor a School Garden or Therapeutic Space’, seeks donations of gardening materials such as tools, seeds, plants, irrigation systems, and outdoor furniture from organizations, companies, and individuals. The association’s team designs and executes custom gardens tailored to the needs of each school, incorporating landscaping elements that foster environmental awareness, sustainability, and community well-being. These gardens aim to provide students with hands-on learning experiences while creating calming, inclusive spaces for emotional healing and integration.

The first school to benefit from the initiative is ‘San Carlos Borromeo School’ in Albal, Valencia. On November 25, a team of technicians and volunteers will begin restoring the school’s botanical garden, which was severely damaged by the floods. Previously, the garden featured a variety of aromatic, medicinal, and native plants, designed to teach students about nature through interactive activities. Unfortunately, the storm destroyed most of the garden, leaving only a few species, which are now dying due to lingering mud and humidity. Restoration efforts will replace these plants with resilient species better suited to extreme weather conditions and biodiversity promotion. The work will also involve cleaning debris, repairing structures, and creating a welcoming green space where students can resume their educational activities and find solace after the emotional toll of the floods.

Beyond San Carlos Borromeo, other schools affected by the storm, such as CEIP Platero in Aldaia, CEIP Villa Romana in Catarroja, and CEIP Blasco Ibáñez in Beniparrell, are also scheduled to receive support through this campaign. These schools will be able to rebuild their gardens and create new therapeutic spaces for their communities. Scientific research underscores the profound benefits of gardens as tools for healing. Studies have shown that engaging with green spaces and participating in gardening activities significantly reduces stress and fosters relaxation, particularly for children and adolescents facing anxiety or emotional challenges. Gardening provides a therapeutic outlet, offering children a way to express themselves nonverbally while cultivating skills such as patience, teamwork, and resilience. The experience of nurturing plants from seed to maturity gives them a sense of achievement and helps boost their self-esteem.

Report by Carlos Catalán Ruz

Article copyright ‘24/7 Valencia’