Over the next few weeks, residents of Whitman County will have the opportunity to learn about sustainable gardening from local horticulturist Donna Guske Hansen.

“Her talk will be centered around the social, physiological and cognitive benefits of gardening,” Whitman County Library Technical and Public Services Assistant Brandy Montgomery said.

Guske Hansen has her bachelor’s in science and plant sciences from Utah State University and her Master of Science in agricultural education from the University of Idaho.

This informational presentation will send participants home with tips and tricks for growing their garden, keeping it lush and yielding more produce.

“It can be beneficial to everybody, but especially for those who have an interest in growing their own stuff or being healthy and sustainable,” Montgomery said.

Guske Hansen will also discuss the academic practice of horticultural therapy that has become accepted at multiple universities around the country.

“Gardening lowers your blood pressure, improves your immune response, and promotes healthy aging, among other health benefits,” Montgomery said.

For many college students, eating healthy comes at a price, as buying fresh produce can be expensive.

“We’re hoping that it draws people who are interested in more healthy living and not having to pay an arm and a leg for it at the grocery store,” Montgomery added.

As a local horticulturist, Guske Hansen specializes in the farming and gardening of eastern Washington, which has a very unique climate.

“Everything that she does she does in this area, making it easier for her to teach people in this area,” Montgomery said.

“We celebrate with flowers, we comfort with flowers, we seek refuge in nature. We grow our food for flavor and nutrition,” Guske Hansen said. “We garden because it makes us feel good. Gardening feeds the mind and the body.”

Donna Guske Hansen will be presenting “Healthier Gardening” at the branches of Whitman County Libraries beginning at 10 a.m. Monday, July 11, at the Endicott Library.