Why Lavender Matters

Getting back to basics and learning skills for self-care are integral components of the Lakin Correctional Center Green Farm Reentry Program. There is something to be said about working in the dirt, pulling weeds, and caring for plants. During "dirt therapy" offenders are less guarded allowing conversations to flow with ease as mental health staff talk about the ill effect weeds have on plants. Unattended weeds easily overgrow a garden, robbing nutrients from the plant, and, blocking the sun from helping the plant to grow. This is a perfect analogy mental health staff use to help offenders understand the importance of weeding their personal garden of family members and friends that may have unhealthy consequences for their personal growth. Teaching skills to assist with weeding personal gardens and making sure all basic elements of self-care are provided helps align offenders for successful reentry back into the community.