The refreshment and sensory delight of falling water is undeniable, whether it be a trickle into a stone basin or a stream-fed, swim-in waterfall. Growing up as he did in the jungles of a tropical island in the Philippines where jungle streams and waterfalls were his playground, James Hanselman takes great joy in bringing the experience of falling water into the lives of his clients. Maybe you need this refreshment in your daily lives, not only in the heat of summer, but all year long!

Shared with delight by Betty Hanselman

Gardener’s wife (& fan of falling water)

A variety of inspiring “falling water” options are available from the design/build team at Hanselman Landscape. Examples shown are a Japanese-style tsukubai, a Costa Rican vacation-inspired waterfall, and a church courtyard water garden, Lancaster and Manheim, PA.

“Aaah, summer – that long anticipated stretch of lazy, lingering days, free of responsibility and rife with possibility. It’s a time to hunt for insects, master handstands, practice swimming strokes, conquer trees, explore nooks and crannies, and make new friends.”

~ Darell Hammond (American actor)

At Hanselman Landscape, it is our joy to build gardens “rife with possibility” and ready for exploration! Call us (717-653-1273). We would love to bring a little bit of childhood imagination and delight into your daily experience!

Shared by Betty Hanselman

Gardener’s wife

At Hanselman Landscape, we understand the therapeutic value of “being with trees” and encourage you to create a haven of trees and shrubs around your home so you can take a “forest bath” anytime! CONTACT US (717-653-1273)! We’d love to help make this invigorating experience a daily reality for you!

These photos depict just a few of the many ways “forest bathing” can become a part of your daily garden experience.

Joyfully shared by Betty Hanselman

Gardener’s wife

“O for a summer noon, when light and breeze

Sport on the grass, like ripples o’er a lake

Alive with freshness! when the full round Sun,

With the Creator’s smile upon his face,

Walks like a prince of glory through the path

Of Heaven!—Thou vast, and ever-glorious sky,

Mantling the earth with thy majestic robe…”

~Robert Montgomery, “Beautiful Influences” (American merchant, banker, and statesman; 1734 – 1806)

The concept of Shinrin-yoku, or “forest bathing” took hold in Japan during the 1980s and has become a cornerstone of preventive health care and healing in Japanese medicine. Also referred to as forest therapy, Shinrin-yoku means “taking in the forest atmosphere” or simply “being with trees”.

Since the appreciation of nature has long been a national pastime in Japan, the Japanese didn’t need to be persuaded that “forest bathing” was a good idea. In a 2009 study of the physiological and psychological effects of forest bathing, Qing Li, a professor at Nippon Medical School in Tokyo, measured the activity of human natural killer (NK) cells in the immune system of his subjects before and after exposure to the woods. NK cells provide rapid responses to viral-infected cells and tumor formation, and are associated with immune system health and cancer prevention. Following weekend forest visits, Li’s subjects showed significant increases in NK cell activity during the week after a forest visit, with positive effects lasting a month. These results are due to various essential oils, generally called phytoncide, which trees emit to protect themselves from germs and insects. Forest air doesn’t just feel fresher and healthier—inhaling phytoncide actually seems to improve immune system function!

Contributed by Betty Hanselman

Gardener’s wife (& frequent “forest bather”)

Based on an article by Ephrat Livini