WASHINGTON — At Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens in Northwest, D.C., there is a new program that could help you become one with nature.
Jessica Bonilla is the Director of Horticulture for the estate. She told WUSA9 all about the history of the grounds and the museum.
"We are the former residence of Marjorie Merriweather Post," Bonilla said. "She amassed a great collection of French and decorative arts. We're a museum and then also grounds. We have 25 acres that we sit on half of that is formal gardens.”
Hillwood is now offering a new program called Forest Bathing --a Japanese practice of connecting with the nature around you. These walks are designed to help people feel calmer and reduce stress. Researchers are looking into how the baths also might aid with recovering from surgery and improving pain tolerance.
“Being with nature helps you with your all of this wonderful positive energy," Bonilla said. "It can help you stay calm it can help with creativity it can help Justin and numerous amount of ways you focus things like that."
The gardens are open Tuesday – Sunday from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Parking is free, and tickets are sold on a donation basis.