Therapeutic Horticulture.

What is Therapeutic Horticulture?

Therapeutic horticulture is a process in which gardening is utilised to improve the body, mind and spirit of people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities.

Therapeutic horticulture uses a diverse range of horticultural activities including plant propagation, plant care, floral arrangement, visits to natural environments and garden centres or parks and garden tours. These activities can evoke a sensory experience, create conversations and community connections.

Gardening offers an opportunity for people to feel empowered by the choices they make and develop resilience through practicing problem-solving skills.

  • Early Childhood Garden Goodness Program

    For children & educators.
    Learn how to grow edible plants, herbs, vegetables & flower crops within early childcare services.

    Learn More here

  • Aged Care & Disability

    Supporting individuals & organisations by facilitating horticultural-based therapies in aged centres or private residents, one on one or in small group sessions. My goal is to improve people’s health, wellbeing, and quality of life through gardening activities and social interaction.

    Enquire Here

  • Private Function

    For anyone, from health care professionals, to students, teachers, doctors, nurses, paramedics & support networks.

    Enquire Here

Everyone can benefit from
Therapeutic Horticulture!

Gardens are not just an enjoyable place for people with disabilities, ageing or diverse health needs, they are a beautiful and healthy resource for everyone. Gardens benefit family, friends, carers and the entire community.

The benefits

- Proven improvements to overall well-being
- Lowered anxiety
- Improved concentration
- Development or rehabilitating motor skills
- Memory stimulation
- Problem-solving skills
- Encourages team work & communication
- Improved social confidence
- Increased connection to community

Early Childhood
Garden Goodness Program.

The Garden Goodness Program has been developed to engage children and educators in meaningful and fun, play-based garden activities to learn how to grow edible plants, herbs, vegetables and flower crops within early childcare and kindergarten grounds.

Children are the future of our planet and it is our goal to get them excited about the world around them, by providing fun garden activities like growing edible plants, flowers and making natural art.

For children who are overwhelmed by aspects of today’s overstimulated world, nature-based therapies introduce nature as a place where we can reconnect and rebuild in a slow, steady and guided pace.

What are the benefits?

Responsibility – from caring for & tending plants.

Understanding – as they learn about cause and effect (for example, plants die without water, weeds compete with plants for nutrients, etc).

Self-confidence – from achieving their goals & enjoying the food and flowers they have grown.

Love of nature – a chance to learn about the outdoor environment in a safe and pleasant place.

Reasoning & discovery – as they learn about science, botany, nutrition, & simple construction.

Physical activity – that is fun, productive & healthy.

Cooperation – including shared play activity & teamwork.

Creativity – designing and planting out a garden. Making art & craft from the products they have grown.

Nutrition – learning about sources of fresh food & their health benefits.

Engaging – Including disengaged learners by using kinaesthetic teaching strategies.

Communication – Increasing oral language & interpersonal communication.

Self-regulation – Increased ability to self-regulate & self soothe.

How much does the program cost?

This program can be tailored to individual Kindergarten and early childhood education requirements according to budget availability. The activities are the same. The price variation depends on frequency and timeframe of visits, travel and resource requirements.

The program has been designed to meet Kindy uplift funding guidelines. To be used to strengthen children’s access to, and meaningful participation in, the full range of kindergarten experiences.

If you would like to learn more about the Garden Goodness programs get in touch via the Contact page or give Gail a call on 0402 081 048.

What our customers are saying

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What our customers are saying •

  • ‘a completely different experience!’

    Gail, we had such a great time on Sunday at your sunflower growing workshop. It was so good to learn and have a completely different experience! It was better than I was expecting. You covered a lot of information and I will be recommending your workshops to my friends.

    KAREN

  • 'The workshop content was so informative'

    Gail, your devotion to your passion for flowers and flower-lovers helped me to believe that my dream of growing a flower garden could become a reality. The workshop content was so informative. I really appreciate the comprehensive handouts to take home. We can look anything up online if we want facts or techniques, so I think it is more about your personal experiences and enthusiasm that made the workshop so special.

    MANDY

  • 'I have absolutely loved every minute'

    Gail, thank you letting me be a part of your workshop. I have absolutely loved every minute. I have learnt so much. I am in awe of your amazing style and generosity. Your warmth, your knowledge and your baking. I am so grateful and appreciate all of the work, time and planning that you have given to make such a wonderful growing experience.

    JOY

  • 'I would definitely recommend to others'

    Gail, thank you for a most enjoyable afternoon, and for sharing your extensive knowledge on growing sunflowers. The workshop was very informative and was not too overwhelming, in relation to the information that you covered. Both the venue and the timeframe was perfect. Hosting a half day session provides flexibility to those who have busy families or sporting commitments. I would definitely recommend to others.

    LYNNE