This year, Earthwise Society has been hard at work building the Garden Buddies Teaching Garden, an accessible garden that was designed for senior gardeners and others who struggle with mobility.
The vision for the Teaching Garden is to create a venue for hands-on learning opportunities for people of all ages, featuring activities that will connect different generations and encourage leadership, discovery, and understanding.
This fall, Earthwise is excited to be launching its first series of Teaching Garden programs with a four week pilot project offering a hands-on introduction to therapeutic horticulture. Each week focuses on a different theme: colour, space, warmth, and place-making.
The therapeutic benefits of gardening are well known. Getting into the garden connects us with nature, engages the senses, and even provides a low-intensity workout. The Teaching Garden pilot program will lead participants through a series of hands-on activities that will be sure to engage both the body and soul.
Participants will explore the world of colour in the Earthwise Garden, help plant a purple-themed fall landscape, learn all about planting in small spaces, and discover how to keep fall crops warm as the temperatures drop. The series will wrap up with a creative place-making activity, and chance to reflect on the role of therapeutic horticulture in promoting health and well-being for all ages and to share ideas for future workshops.
This program is open to anyone who would like to learn more about therapeutic horticulture, connect with others in the community, learn some new gardening skills, and have fun! The four-week series runs from 1 to 2 p.m. on Sept. 30, Oct. 7, Oct. 21 and Oct. 28. To register, email [email protected].
