Rooted in Wellness

Gardening isn’t just good for your yard—it’s good for your mental health too. Presenters Wendy Bartkus and Kris Thompson will talk about the real, research-backed ways gardening can support your well-being, from lowering stress to boosting mood. Drawing on key psychological theories, they'll discuss how simple things like getting your hands in the soil, moving your body, and connecting with others can help ease anxiety and depression. We’ll wrap up with a hands-on activity where you can plant some seeds to take home.

About the presenters: Wendy Bartkus has been gardening with the Emmaus Community Garden since 1999 and has been a member of the Emmaus Community Garden Commission (ECGC) since its inception in 2019. She is a psychology professor and a certified health coach. Her enthusiasm for (and knowledge of) the connection between gardening and good health is contagious. She has been presenting educational programs on gardening with Kris since 2019.

Kris Thompson has been gardening with the Emmaus Community Garden since 2011 and has been a member of the ECGC since its inception in 2019. She has degrees in architecture, historic preservation and archaeology. She is an amazing mother who has shared her love of gardening with her children, who are often seen at the garden alongside their parents. Kris has been instrumental in developing and presenting the educational programs the ECGC presents to the community at various events throughout the year.

You may also like the following events from Emmaus Public Library:

• This Wednesday, 11th February, 10:30 am, Winter Storytime in Emmaus
• This Wednesday, 11th February, 02:00 pm, Silent Space at the Library in Emmaus
• This Wednesday, 11th February, 06:00 pm, Weekly Crochet Club in Emmaus

Also check out other Health & Wellness events in Emmaus, Arts events in Emmaus, Fine Arts events in Emmaus.