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PAGE 1 A QUARTERLY PUBLICATION OF THE AMERICAN HORTICULTURAL THERAPY ASSOCIATION VOLUME 39 NUMBER 3 LATE SUMMER 2011 Inside HPCG’s Healing Gardens By Sally Cobb, HTR This article originally appeared in “Insights, a publication of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization.” Reproduced with permisson. In the gardens surrounding Hospice and Palliative Care (HPCG), the gentle smells, soft textures, and deep and vibrant colors awaken the senses and draw attention to themselves. Simply viewing nature’s splendor can help us relax, unwind and release some anxiety. While the intent of HPCG’s Healing Gardens and Horticultural Therapy Program is to serve patients and familles, our staff members are also reaping many benefits. Engaging the Staff ‘Year round, when maintaining and nurturing the grounds, staff input is always welcomed and considered, especially since the HPCG gardens are the front and back yards of their ‘9 to 5’ home. To help staff take notice of the grounds that surround their workspace, they receive emails, inviting them to “smell the fragrant tea olive” or “view the bright orange, dinner-plate size hibiscus” or “try to find the Naked Ladies” (otherwise known as Amaryllis!). Our human resources and marketing departments have also photographed the gardens and have featured them on posters that we display in-house, on our website, and on other printed materials, which fosters a sense of pride in our grounds. As a part of the Horticultural Therapy Program, note cards depicting our colrful gardens were also produced so patients and families could use them to write note to out-of-town loved ones. When staff saw them, they wanted some as well - so more were printed and made available to staff at cost. Gardening has also been offered as an optional staff activity. The team for HPCG’s Kids Path Program (for seriously ill and grieving children) worked together to fill a raised bed in the Children’s Garden with plants that were chosen to symbolize their role on the hospice team: Sage was chosen for wisdom; velvety soft, Lamb’s Ear was chosen for gracefulness; and five different varieties of Marigolds were selected to represent individual members of the team. During one of HPCG’s mini-retreats, staff helped pull out last season’s plants from the facility’s gardens and replaced them with new ones, and ended their day by creating a container of seasonal flowering plants to take home. As a team-building activity for the evening shift at Beacon Place, HPCG’s 14-bed residential facility, staff on the evening shift created a hanging basket that was showcased in the front entrance. Plants were selected that would symbolize desirable qualities for hospice staff and included flowering plants that open only in the late afternoon and evening. Staff were given a list of the plants and an explanation of why those particular plants were included. The patients at Beacon Place especially enjoy the bird activity that is fostered by the many birdfeeders we have hanging in the gardens - made possible by a longtime volunteer who fills the feeders weekly. Some staff members wondered aloud if they might have a birdfeeder placed outside their office windows. Now our “Birdman” volunteer makes a stop at the feeders that have been placed within their view. Also a Magnet for Other Alliances As if HPCG’s gardens don’t offer enough benefits on their own, they also seem to be a magnet for other uplifting alliances. Neil, the husband of one of out gardening volunteers AHTA Newsletter Work Team Members Amy Wagenfeld, MaryAnne McMillan Gabriela Harvey Melissa Bierman Patty Cassidy Gwenn Fried Barbara Krajewski Rene’Thompson Continued on page 3

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A Q U A R T E R L Y P U B L I C A T I O N O F T H E A M E R I C A N H O R T I C U L T U R A L T H E R A P Y A S S O C I A T I O N

VOLUME 39 NUMBER 3

LATE SUMMER 2011

Inside HPCG’s Healing GardensBy Sally Cobb, HTR

This article originally appeared in “Insights, a publication of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization.”

Reproduced with permisson.

In the gardens surrounding Hospice and Palliative Care (HPCG), the gentle smells, soft textures, and deep and vibrant colors awaken the senses and draw attention to themselves. Simply viewing nature’s splendor can help us relax, unwind and release some anxiety. While the intent of HPCG’s Healing Gardens and Horticultural Therapy Program is to serve patients and familles, our staff members are also reaping many benefits.

Engaging the Staff

‘Year round, when maintaining and nurturing the grounds, staff input is always welcomed and considered, especially since the HPCG gardens are the front and back yards of their ‘9 to 5’ home.

To help staff take notice of the grounds that surround their workspace, they receive emails, inviting them to “smell the fragrant tea olive” or “view the bright orange, dinner-plate size hibiscus” or “try to find the Naked Ladies” (otherwise known as Amaryllis!).

Our human resources and marketing departments have also photographed the gardens and have featured them on posters that we display in-house, on our website, and on other printed materials, which fosters a sense of pride in our grounds. As a part of the Horticultural Therapy Program, note cards depicting our colrful gardens were also produced so patients and families could use them to write note to out-of-town loved ones. When staff saw them, they wanted some as well - so more

were printed and made available to staff at cost.

Gardening has also been offered as an optional staff activity.

The team for HPCG’s Kids Path Program (for seriously ill and grieving children) worked together to fill a raised bed in the Children’s Garden with plants that were chosen to symbolize their role on the hospice team: Sage was chosen for wisdom; velvety soft, Lamb’s Ear was chosen for gracefulness; and five different varieties of Marigolds were selected to represent individual members of the team.

During one of HPCG’s mini-retreats, staff helped pull out last season’s plants from the facility’s gardens and replaced them with new ones, and ended their day by creating a container of seasonal flowering plants to take home.

As a team-building activity for the evening shift at Beacon Place, HPCG’s 14-bed residential facility, staff on the evening shift created a hanging basket that was showcased in the front entrance. Plants were selected that would

symbolize desirable qualities for hospice staff and included flowering plants that open only in the late afternoon and evening. Staff were given a list of the plants and an explanation of why those particular plants were included.

The patients at Beacon Place especially enjoy the bird activity that is fostered by the many birdfeeders we have hanging in the gardens - made possible by a longtime volunteer who fills the feeders weekly. Some staff members wondered aloud if they might have a birdfeeder placed outside their office windows. Now our “Birdman” volunteer makes a stop at the feeders that have been placed within their view.

Also a Magnet for Other Alliances

As if HPCG’s gardens don’t offer enough benefits on their own, they also seem to be a magnet for other uplifting alliances. Neil, the husband of one of out gardening volunteers

AHTA Newsletter Work Team Members

Amy Wagenfeld,MaryAnne McMillanGabriela HarveyMelissa BiermanPatty CassidyGwenn FriedBarbara KrajewskiRene’ Thompson

Continued on page 3

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LATE SUMMER 2011 AHTA NEWS | A QUARTERLY PUBLICATION OF THE AMERICAN HORTICULTURAL THERAPY ASSOCIATION

garden.html) and a “secret” Lotus Garden (http://www.thelotusgarden.org/) on 97th and Broadway; the one I discovered on my almost endless search for the perfect apartment…

I mustn’t forget the Enid A. Haupt Glass Garden (www.med.nyu.edu/glassgardens) at the Rusk Institute where I was so aptly guided by Nancy Chambers, HTR, and the senior horticulturist Matt Wichrowski, MSW, HTR in the initial stages of one of my internships, on the way to becoming a horticultural therapist.

All of you have your favorite green spaces, gardens you love, gardens you work in, gardens you inherited, gardens you created. Please share the beauty and healing they bring.

Some of you have already volunteered guided tours of gardens, as part of our silent auction

After nine years in bucolic Colonial Williamsburg I now enjoy the Hudson River (and the gritty West Side Highway) as my front yard. The thought of Wave Hill

(http://www.wavehill.org/home), my favorite botanical garden only a few exits north, sends me giddy. Same goes for exploration of the “newly” created Highline (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Highline Botanical Garden). There are the familiar New York Botanical Garden (www.nybg.org), the Brooklyn Botanic Garden (www.bbg.org), The Conservancy Garden in Central Park (www.centralparknyc.org/visit/things-to-see/north-end/conservatory-

President’s Message By Gabriela Harvey, HTR - AHTA President

AHTA Growing PartnersThese businesses are Supporters and Advocates of AHTA’s mission to advance the practice of horticulture to improve human well-being.

Be sure to visit their websites and get to know our new Partners!

Gardner’s Supply Company www.gardeners.com

offerings at the next annual AHTA conference

in Asheville, North Carolina. There is still time

to join in, whether as a participant, or the tour

teacher/guide! Please contact Jean D’Amore

([email protected]) the Chair of the

Silent Auction effort.

Enjoy the rest of the summer! See you in

Asheville!

Gabriela Harvey, HTR

AHTA President

AHTA Certificate Program Accreditation Chair

Recruit THREE, get in FREE!The strength of AHTA is in its talented membership. This year, for our membership

drive, we are challenging current members to recruit three new individual members to join AHTA and earn free registration to the fall annual conference.

The membership drive will start NOW and run through October 15th! Send the AHTA office an email letting them know who you recruit, and when

you reach three, you’ll receive a conference voucher for FREE!

Contact Martha Heinze, [email protected]

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LATE SUMMER 2011 AHTA NEWS | A QUARTERLY PUBLICATION OF THE AMERICAN HORTICULTURAL THERAPY ASSOCIATION

who accompanies his wife to “work,” started bringing his flute, oboe and clarinet, along with his gentle soul, and serenades anyone within earshot. Regardless of the temperature outside, as soon as Neil starts playing, the windows fly open.

One visitor shared an email: “I was visiting a patient today at Beacon Place whose room faces the Rose Garden. As we were talking she said, “Who was the man who was playing the music in the garden?” I sat there and listened to that music and just floated… I floated away from all my problems and troubles and said, “Thank you God for this beautiful music.”

And a staff member recently wrote: “One of the Kids Path nurses just walked by my desk a few minutes ago. She said when she got to work this morning, her legs and arms were aching (she has Fibromyalgia), but as soon as she opened her car door and heard Neil’s

uplifting music, she thought “Morning has broken…I can make it.”

These are but a few of the powerful testimonies we receive that speak to the value of complementary therapies for patients and for staff.

Sally Cobb is a registered horticultural therapist who has worked for Hospice and Palliative Care of Greensboro (Greensboro, NC) for the last six years, creating and nurturing its healing gardens with help from hundreds of volunteer hands. You may contact her at [email protected].

Inside HPCG’s Healing Gardens, Cont’

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The colleagues of HPCG staff member, Tanya O’Ferrell paying respects at the garden created in her memory. Staff was also asked for input when planning the garden and were invited to help tend the bed.

Members of the Beacon Place evening shift during their team building exercise with Sally Cobb (seated on right in the white slacks).

Continued from page 1

submitting a feature story about what you do in your programs. Let our community know what you are ‘growing!’

When preparing your story, please keep in mind the following.

• Word count should be kept to no more than 750-1000 words for feature stories and 400 for other submissions, such as news about events and conferences. PLEASE adhere to word count Articles that exceed the word count will be returned to authors for ‘pruning.’

• Please send photos in jpg format.

• Please use original photos and ensure that there are signed photo releases for photos that include pictures of people.

• Please send a copy of signed photo releases to AHTA headquarters. We must have this information in order include them in your stories and information.

Hard to believe that we are almost at the end of summer! It does seem as if time is flying by, doesn’t it? Speaking of flying (or for that matter, any mode of transportation), this issue will be different than previous ones, in that we have dispensed with our many of our usual columns and have instead, devoted the issue to contain stories of your favorite go to green destinations, all over the place. It was great to hear some new voices and I hope that more of you will start to share your wisdom and thoughts with the rest of the AHTA membership. I had a wonderful time reading about some favorite spots and hope you will, as well. Thank you for taking time out of your busy lives to share with us.

On behalf of myself, and the Work Team, comprised of MaryAnne McMillan, Gabriela Harvey, Melissa Bierman, Patti Cassidy, Gwenn Fried, Barbara Krajewski, and Rene’ Thompson, we want to encourage you to be a part of the newsletter. Please consider

A Note from the Editor By Amy Wagenfeld, PhD, OTR/L, HTR, CAPS

• Include photo captions.

We want to hear from you and about your work! Send us classified ads and calendar items as well.

All stories/photos, classified ads, and calendar items can be submitted to [email protected] and [email protected]. Please make note of the new email addresses for submitting your work.

We welcome new members to the Newsletter Work team. If you are interested, send Martha and MaryAnne an email. They will put you to work right away.

Don’t forget to register for the national conference!

Warm wishes, Amy Amy Wagenfeld, PhD, OTR/L, HTR, CAPS

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LATE SUMMER 2011 AHTA NEWS | A QUARTERLY PUBLICATION OF THE AMERICAN HORTICULTURAL THERAPY ASSOCIATION

AHTA Conference 2011- October 21-23, 2011Asheville, North Carolina, site of our upcoming 2011 AHTA Annual Conference, has been selected by “Good Morning America!” as one of the “10 Most Beautiful Places in the U.S!”

Our pre tour schedule is one that you should not miss! The chance to attend workshops with fellow horticultural therapists; we will learn from the staff at both sites and along the way network and learn from each other in this journey in the Blue Ridge mountains of North Carolina.

Recently Martha Heinze, AHTA Executive Director, traveled to NC to make sure everything is in place for our visit. Here are some thoughts from Martha:

There’s a good reason that “Good Morning America!” picked Asheville as one of the most beautiful spots in America. I’ve heard about the Blue Ridge Mountains, but I never fully appreciated how “intimate” the area is. We will be in Asheville at the height of the fall foliage season, and it will be spectacular! Just the road from the airport to the hotel is enough to take your breath away.

Our hotel is beautiful! It is the first time in a long time that we have held the whole conference at a hotel and the convenience and facilities will be great. Full of “southern charm,” the Crowne Plaza Resort has an indoor pool, several restaurants and a free shuttle into the business district. It’s located minutes from the Biltmore Estate, which I didn’t get a chance to visit, but I will make time after the Conference. The gardens are legendary and the estate is a National Historic Landmark.

My visits to the Bullington Center and the CooperRiis Healing Farm were humbling and awe-inspiring. First stop was CooperRiis, where the gardens and rolling hills belie the activities within the surrounding buildings. I had never “experienced” a therapeutic community before and a “community” it certainly was! You will need to see it for yourself, but I came away with a new appreciation for the work of our members.

The Bullington Center was our next stop. John Murphy, the Center’s coordinator, took us on a tour and even though the ravages of the

heat were evident, the gardens were beautiful. My favorite area was the garden where the students of the BOOST (Bullington Onsite Occupational Student Training) held their annual garden contest with themed gardens. Gardens themed for the 9/11 Anniversary and “Overcoming Differences” were so well done! The Bullington Center’s Therapy Garden was lovely and I can only imagine how beautiful the Center will be in its “fall colors.”

In addition to the scenery, attendees to the 2011 AHTA Conference will have the opportunity to choose from a wide variety of presentations and programs. Our international list of presenters include experts in their fields from France, Switzerland and Japan and of course, the U.S.

For session descriptions, registration and hotel information, click here or visit the AHTA website, www.ahta.org.

Top Row from left The Bullington Center Therapy Garden, Bullington Center Raised Beds, Bullington Center Gardens

Bottom Row from left CooperRiis Farm Animals, CooperRiis Greenhouses, CooperRiis Greenhouses

Middle Row from left CooperRiis Healing Farm Main Building, CooperRiis Dining Room, CooperRiis Patio

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Reprinted with Permission from AARP Magazine

More medical buildings are getting pretty exteriors, thanks to the growing therapeutic-garden movement. The idea: that patients recuperate faster when they have access to a garden. The evidence: a landmark study showing that people recovering from surgery requested less pain medication and were discharged sooner if they could see trees from their hospital windows. Take Kathy Hamilton, 62, a former patient at the Legacy Oregon Burn Center in Portland, Oregon. She says her views of the facility’s green space inspired her to get out of bed and get moving. That’s because nature is “restorative,” says Clare Cooper Marcus, a psychologist and author of Iona Dreaming: The Healing Power of Place - A Memoir. When undergoing chemotherapy, Marcus retreated to her own backyard: “All my anxiety and worries just dissipated into the ground.” - Chai Woodham

Hydrangeas Can Heal Soothing Garden Views Can be Good for Patients

One of the healing gardens at Legacy Emanuel Medical Center in Portland, Oregon.

Human Issues in Horticultural Therapy

Dr. Candice Shoemaker, Professor of Horticulture and Human Health, Director of Graduate Studies in Horticultural Therapy, Kansas State University.

Kansas State University (K-State) will be offering HORT 751 Human Issues in Horticultural Therapy this fall via a distance-learning format. Upon completion of this course, students will: understand the history and development of horticultural therapy as a specialized allied health field and its influence on the current status of the profession; understand the theories explaining the relationship of people and nature and their use in informing the practice of HT; use theories explaining the relationship of people and nature in developing a theory of horticultural therapy; and critically review the literature on human issues in horticulture and horticultural therapy. Through K-State’s online learning management system, students will work as a class in completing the learning modules that include readings, assignments, PowerPoint presentations, and asynchronous online discussions.

This course is part of K-State’s 15-credit Graduate Certificate in Horticultural Therapy (http://www.dce.k-state.edu/ag/horticultural-therapy/) however a student can take up to 9 credit hours without applying to a degree program through a request to take classes at K-State as a non-degree seeking student (http://www.dce.k-state.edu/courses/registration/policies-admit).

For more information call 785-532-1431 or email [email protected]. To enroll visit https://eis.dce.ksu.edu/CreditReg/CourseSearch/

Fundamentals of Horticultural Therapy

Deadlines are approaching! The last chance to enroll in one of three fall beginning classes as well as begin the certificate program at The Horticultural Therapy Institute (HTI) is now.

Join students from across the country in one of these four day courses (Thursday - Sunday). It will introduce the profession and practice of horticultural therapy, which uses gardening activities in health care and human service programs. The course describes the types of programs utilizing HT as well as the cognitive, social, emotional and physical goals for the varied people served. It also exposes students to resources for further exploration and to professionals in the field.

Dates for upcoming classes:Missouri Botanical Garden St. Louis, MO Oct. 6-9, 2011 Deadline for enrollment: Sept. 6 Fee: $750 or $600 for full time college students

Anchor Center for Blind Children Denver, CO Nov. 3-6, 2011 Deadline for enrollment: Oct. 3 Fee: $750 or $600 for full time college students

Skyland Trail Atlanta, GA Nov. 17-20, 2011 Deadline for enrollment: Oct. 17 Fee: $750 or $600 for full time college students

For more information or to enroll call 303-388-0500 or visit the web site at www.htinstitute.org.

Educational Opportunities

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NORTHEAST HORTICULTURAL THERAPY NETWORK

The NEHTA has dissolved and restructured into a new group called Northeast Horticultural Therapy Network (NEHTN). We will continue to promote horticultural therapy in our region and meet regularly throughout New England/New York for workshops. We invite you to join our network group. You can obtain our Membership Form by visiting our newly revised website at www.nehorticulturaltherapy.net.

CALENDAR

October 1, 2011, Workshop: Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Brockton, MA Contact: Jocelyn Hand (508) 583-4500x61687(W) or [email protected]

January 21, 2012, Workshop: Windham County Extension Center, Brooklyn, CT Contact: Kim Kelley, Cooperative Extension (860) 774-9600 ext. 25 or [email protected]

FOR OUR SPANISH-SPEAKING MEMBERS SEMINARIO IBEROAMERICANO DE TERAPIA HORTÍCOLA 2011

El HERBARIUM tiene el agrado de abrir a la comunidad su Certificado de Terapia Hortícola e invitarlo a participar en el Cuarto Seminario Iberoamericano de Terapia Hortícola que se llevará a cabo entre el lunes 7 y el viernes 18 de noviembre de 2011.

La terapia hortícola es el proceso a través del cual la actividad hortícola y la cercanía innata que todos sentimos con la naturaleza son usadas como herramientas dentro de un programa de terapia y rehabilitación profesionalmente guiado.

El Herbarium es una organización sin fines de lucro, cuyo objetivo principal consiste en la difusión y enseñanza de la Terapia Hortícola y su aplicación en la rehabilitación en casos de discapacidad física, intelectual y psíquica, especialmente en sectores de escasos recursos y extrema pobreza, a través del trabajo en el jardín.

El seminario, dirigido a profesionales tanto del área de la salud como de la educación, a arquitectos y paisajistas y a aquellas personas que estén interesadas en integrarla en sus lugares de trabajo, versará sobre las últimas investigaciones relacionadas a los programas de Terapia Hortícola a nivel internacional y cómo trabajar con las distintas poblaciones de usuarios en nuestra realidad iberoamericana.

http://www.herbarium.cl/seminario2011

HÓZH’Q FOUNDATION

The Hózh’q foundation in partnership with the People Plant Council (PPC) and International Society for Horticultural Science (ISHS), is delighted to announce the upcoming 11TH International People Plant Symposium (IPPS).

The symposium will take place on the Floriade in Venlo, the Netherlands on September 6,7 and 8th 2012.

“Floriade is a World Horticultural Exposition. World expositions are major international exhibitions that have been taking place across the world since 1851. They offer countries the opportunity to showcase their economic, social, cultural and technical developments. The Floriade World Horticultural Exposition has been held in the Netherlands roughly every 10 years since 1960”

The theme of the symposium is “Diversity: Toward a new Vision of Nature”, and the focus will be on the growing and dynamic use of nature and gardening as a therapeutic tool. It will bring together individuals and groups from a vast array of sectors, all with a common interest in horticulture, horticultural therapy, and therapeutic horticulture.

“Diversity” provides a unique opportunity for individuals and businesses with interests in these areas to gain exposure to a large and focused audience of like-minded people from across the world.

The organizing committee is currently busy raising funds to make the symposium an experience to remember! More information will be posted in the following months.

Please forward this invitation to the people in your network. Would you be so kind as to let us know whether you and your organisation are interested in joining us next year?

You can do this by sending an email to [email protected]

Calendar of Events

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emotional, and spiritual.

When patients participate in a group therapy session, there is a distinct sigh of relief, as they become one with nature. Becoming immersed within the space; with plants climbing the walls,

Personally, I get a thrill from sharing those special, off-the-beaten-path gardens with visitors who come to my city of Portland, Oregon.

A special garden to discover is the Portland Memory Garden. Though this lush garden sits on only a quarter-acre of land, its circular design with wide pathways weaving in and out of fully planted raised beds gives a feeling of spaciousness and diversity. It was designed specifically for people who are afflicted with memory disorders such as Alzheimer’s and dementia and for their caregivers.

The continuous jarring noise from the heliport, ambulances, police sirens, and traffic screaming with urgency, East 34th is a hellhole of a place. The only respite is the tranquility of NYU’s Rusk Glass Garden.

Upon entering the greenhouse, you are greeted by soothing classical music, and Chloe, the resident Cockatoo. There is Bamboo the wandering cat, Cinnamon and Nutmeg, rescued bunnies, Koi fish, turtles, love birds, and doves.

The Glass Garden is a beautiful stop on my journey towards completion of my HT internship. While I may spend many more years studying the people plant relationship, no matter whether you are a patient or not, The Glass Garden seems to heal many wounds- physical,

Some of my best traveling experiences are those that got me off the main roads, away from crowded museums and noisy cities. The hidden yet charming spots that I’ve found by walking in the early morning and poking around a sleepy village have given me special memories. I’m was always grateful to the locals I meet who encourage me to see gardens or visit great nurseries that are not featured in the usual travel literature and guides.

I suspect that most of us in this profession of HT have favorite and special places in our towns and cities that are not listed in the major guidebooks.

A Green Treasure, in the Heart of New York City By Maureen Regan

Go To Garden Stories

Finding Secret Gardens By Patty Cassidy, HTR

lining the pathways, and flowers blooming outside the greenhouse, they are no longer just patients and a sense of normalcy is restored.

By design, then, the garden cultivates plants that bestow four seasons of bloom, color, scent, and texture as well as provide rich habitat for birds and butterflies. While hot summer days are cooled by the shade of tall Douglas fir trees, an array of beautiful deciduous trees allow dapple sun to warm the faces of elders, families, and neighbors who frequent the garden. A native plant collection as well as many attractive perennials and shrubs thrive in ground-level beds that offer rich botanical diversity. Visitors are encouraged to use all their senses as they brush past the rosemary, lavender, and sage. Each spring and fall, volunteers plant familiar and old fashioned annuals such as geraniums, dahlias, and pansies in the garden to inspire memories of gardens past.

The Portland Memory Garden will be marking its twelfth anniversary with a special Founder’s Day celebration in June 2012. If you are in Portland then or in the future, it would be my pleasure to show you this very special “secret garden.”

Finally, if you are at the Silent Auction during AHTA’s annual conference this fall, look for the Portland Memory Garden “tour package” that you can bid on!

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to people’s health and spirits. The Gardens today provide the same - a connection to nature and a place of beauty to relax, stroll and celebrate life’s important moments. http://www.halifaxpublicgardens.ca.

A Victorian style public garden, free to visitors since 1836, sits in the heart of Halifax on one city block. The bandstand (right), the Grande Allee (3rd from left) and the wrought iron gates (2nd from left), are the signature hardscapes at the Halifax Public Gardens along with its statues, pond and bridges (left). The Victorians believed in the power of nature to minister

Halifax Public Gardens, Nova Scotia Canada By Lesley Fleming, HTR / Photos by Ted Flemming and Janice Morrison

Go To Garden Stories, Con’t

opportunity to see bald eagles in their natural habitat and to take a refreshing stroll through fragrant hardwood forests (see AHTA’s June 2011 newsletter for article on the benefits of forest bathing). Cobscook Bay State Park (http://www.visitmaine.com/attractions/state_national_parks/state_parks/cobscook_bay_state_park/), further down US Route 1, brings forest and sea together and provides opportunities for hiking, kayaking and relaxation. We welcome you to Downeast Maine and southern New Brunswick!

Kingsbrae Garden (http://www.kingsbraegarden.com/index.html) in St. Andrews, New Brunswick, was recently named one of the “Top Five North American Gardens Worth Traveling For” at the Garden Tourism Conference in Toronto. Other honorees include the Royal Botanical Gardens (Hamilton, ON), Desert Botanical Garden (Phoenix, AZ), Longwood Botanical (Kennett Square, PA) and New York Botanical Gardens (The Bronx/NYC, NY). Kingsbrae encompasses 27 acres, displaying a wide range of landscape styles and blending sculpture and art with over 50,000 perennials, shrubs, and trees. The garden is accessible and even offers cart tours at no additional charge for people with mobility limitations (reservations required). There is a touch and smell garden as well as a food gardens where visitors are encouraged to taste the produce! Plants in the garden are well labeled and staff are friendly and helpful.

Just a short trip across the border, in Washington County, Maine,

Moosehorn National Wildlife Refuge (http://www.fws.gov/northeast/moosehorn/) offers the

A Garden Worth Visiting By David E. Brass, M.A., LADC, HTR

Welcome to the beautiful 27 acres that make up Kingsbrae Horticultural GardenCenter in Portland, OR.

A pretty nook in the Display Garden.

The Container Garden with all kinds of “no room for a garden” ideas.

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The Japanese tea garden or roji may appear to be a natural woodland path, but it is actually a carefully-designed transition from worries and schedules to the tranquil world of the Japanese tea ceremony. Tea gardens induce a spirit of openness. Nothing shouts so ordinary details captivate and time seems abundant like it does for a child out of school. Four key values are harmony, respect, purity and tranquility. A distillation of nature’s asymmetrical design produces effects well beyond the surface.

Although I have visited gardens in Japan, tending my own small tea garden on a daily basis has taught profound lessons. There is a deep rhythm to the seasonal cycle. Watering moss is a delightful summer chore that I evoke for solace on a stressful day. One summer, the moss decided to create a green carpet up around the flagstones on my patio. My memories also include children jumping on stepping stones, and raccoons drinking from the water basin.

One August evening, anticipating a tea practice, I cleaned and filled the water basin, and lit a candle in the lantern by the path. After preparations in the hut, I sprinkled water on the stepping stones as a sign of welcome. The Cicadas began their song just as we started. Afterwards, we wrote haiku to flickering candle light.

I carry the garden’s gentle spirit in my heart and it reminds me to slow down and make time in my life to appreciate and share the things that truly matter. It is also the center of a connection that goes way beyond the confines of the hut and small garden.

AHTA member Kathleen Fink writes articles about Japanese Gardens and the Japanese Tea Ceremony that appear in Sukiya

Living, The Journal of Japanese Gardening.

My Summer Tea Garden By Kathleen Fink

Go To Garden Stories, Cont’

Recovery and Rehabilitation The Role of Horticultural

Therapy in the Therapeutic Community

October 21-23, 2011 Crowne Plaza Hotel

Asheville, NC

This year we focus on the role of horticultural therapy in

therapeutic communities. By way of focusing on these communities, we will also be offering you valuable information regarding vocational, social and educational programs

that will serve the clients, patients and individuals with whom we work

on a daily basis.

Click here to register

2011 AHTA Annual Conference

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The RRI Community Day Program provides educational and recreational opportunities to people with developmental disabilities in a stimulating and safe environment. The program has locations in Sturbridge, MA and Leominster, MA.

Participants in the programs have created a therapeutic garden full of flowers, vegetables, and herbs. The vegetables and herbs that they grow are, in turn, used in their cooking groups and in the dips and other products that they sell at regional fairs and festivals.

The Sturbridge Day program continues its love of gardening by giving back to their community as well. They help at the nearby Leicester community garden, which donates its harvest to the local food pantry to support those in need.

The individuals at the Leominster based program are also invested in helping their community. They recently became part of the “Growing Places Garden Project” by helping to build a backyard raised garden bed for a family in a neighboring town. The mission of this initiative is to provide gardens and nutritional education to people with lesser economic means so they can grow food on their own and become proficient home gardeners, and continue to grow fresh, healthy food for themselves and their loved ones year after year. The Leominster program is proud to be a part of this great effort.

Caring for and maintaining the gardens at their programs and volunteering in the local community has become an integral part of the RRl Community Day Program participant’s weekly activities. Everyone takes great pride in what they have accomplished and also reap the rewards of engaging in therapeutic gardening.

Rehabilitative Resources, Inc. (RRI) - Community Day Program Gardens / Sturbridge, MA & Leominster, MABy Kerrie Mason

Go To Garden Stories, Con’t

Top Left - Carolyn Zacek gets ready to pick summer squash with horticulture program manager Pauline Weagle

Bottom Left - Proudly posing in front of their garden area – Carolyn Zacek, Leona Ryant, Heather Gardner, Kari Dame (front)

Top Right - Jeff Johnson from the Leominster program helps to prepare a raised garden bed

Bottom Right - Shelly Snow and Kirsten Chambers from the Leominster program take part in the Growing Places Garden Project

2011 AHTA NEWSLETTER DEADLINES TO REMEMBER

Deadlines for submitting feature stories, international stories, classified ads, upcoming events and conferences are October 30, 2011 & December 20, 2011.

We look forward to hearing from you! The Newsletter Work team

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On July 13th, residents and staff of St. Patrick’s Residence in Naperville, Illinois gathered to bless the opening of their new therapeutic rooftop garden. St. Patrick’s is a 210-bed nursing and rehabilitation facility served by the Carmelite Sisters. The garden, designed by landscape architect Geoff Roehll, owner of Hitchcock Design Group, features a walking path, pergola, and a fountain, as well as shade and ornamental trees, lovely outdoor furniture and attractive flowerbeds. “The garden is a refreshing outdoor space for our residents to enjoy activities, visit with friends and family, or simply to relax and enjoy the beauty of the park-like setting,” says Sister Jeanne Haley, Administrator.

The garden was designed in an existing space that was under utilized, but had the potential to become an area of serenity and beauty. The idea of the garden came about as a way for the residents of St. Patrick’s to be outside in a safe, beautiful and sensory rich garden. Foliage was carefully chosen to be colorful from spring through fall and to attract butterflies that happen to be passing by. Residents can choose to sit under the pergola that offers shade from the summer sun, to listen to the birds and the trickling of the fountain, which adds ambiance and is the focus of the garden.

The rooftop garden is a charming addition to St. Patrick’s and to the commitment of the Carmelite Sisters and their staff to care for the elderly with love, respect, and dignity and to bring them beauty, joy and peace.

St. Patrick’s Residence Blesses New Rooftop Therapeutic Garden By Madelene Bernar, Director of Development St. Patrick’s Residence

Go To Garden Stories, Con’t

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The Smoky Mountain Experience By Rene’ (Thompson) Malone, MS, CTRS, HTR

Go To Garden Stories, Con’t

week of May. However know that there are flowers blooming practically year-round with spring-beauties and hepatica brightening up the remaining winter weeks of February. In addition there are yellow and pink Lady’s Slipper orchids, showy orchids, crested dwarf iris, fire pink, columbine, bleeding heart, phacelia, jack-in-the-pulpit, little brown jugs, and ten different species of Trillium. If you’re extremely lucky, you’ll get a glimpse of the rare Gay Wings, a perennial herb resembling a tiny bird in flight. Take a June hike to see flame azaleas-best viewed from Andrews or Gregory Bald. Not to be outdone, trees such as sourwood, serviceberry, silverbell, flowering dogwood, Fraser magnolia, and tulip tree soon follow. And, if you’re lucky, (yes, lucky) you might see a black bear as it disappears through the dog hobble bush! Head to www.nps.gov/grsm now to plan your visit. For reference, pick up the following: Great Smoky Mountains Wildflowers: When and Where to Find Them (1995) by Campbell, Hutson and Sharp and Wildflowers of Tennessee (2001) by Jack Carman.

Winter, spring, summer, fall…the Smoky Mountains in east Tennessee has it all! Whether you’re an experienced hiker or just out for a stroll, this national treasure has over 800 miles of trails and quiet walkways to view an impressive 1600 plus species of wildflowers (including 300 or more rare or endangered species). The various elevations, microclimates, and understories support what I consider as the best place in the entire United States for wildflower viewing. With 8-10 million visitors each year this park is within a day’s drive of three-fourths of the U.S. making it easy to visit on a weekend. If you’re like me and have an aversion to hoards of noisy people, you just need to step off the concrete to automatically lose 99% of the crowds. I have my secret spots and trails (email me if you really want to know), but venturing down any rosebay or Catawba Rhododendron-shaded path can immediately engulf you in a serene, green heaven. If you’d rather be guided, consider the Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage, usually held the last week of April into the first

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The Buehler Family Foundation Enabling Garden, Naples Florida By Lesley Fleming, HTR

Go To Garden Stories, Con’t

changing the perception that adaptive gardening is for disabled populations only. Defining home gardeners as active, well individuals as a distinct HT population who can benefit from elements of HT concepts and practices articulates wellness in new terms. Wellness programs have in the past delivered programs to healthy individuals using HT theory but it has not expressly defined home gardeners as a population on its own in the context

of receiving targeted HT services. Research on this distinct population is limited. Even less empirical data exists on their programs or outcomes in a botanical gardening setting, and

this is where the Naples Buehler Family Foundation Enabling Garden is poised to significantly contribute to the discipline of therapeutic horticulture. Naples Botanical Garden is the first to identify the home gardener population as an Vertical wall using multiple Wooly Pocket containers at the

enabling garden emerging group.

What is particularly innovative in the Naples enabling garden approach, is the way in which public garden visitors to the botanical gardening setting can experience elements of adaptive gardening. Developed to be compatible with public garden mandates, the HT programming uses self-guided, experiential activities; structured enough to provide ideas for modifying gardening but optional and exploratory akin to a walk through a botanical garden. Blurring the line between therapeutic and recreational gardening, HT concepts are integrated into the Buehler Family Foundation Enabling Garden’s venue. They are presented as an approach to gardening that is effective for

home gardeners. This concept has been seen before. But rather than presenting adaptive gardening simply as something to observe, as is the case with other enabling garden models, the Naples enabling garden presents hands on opportunities to try tools, hardscapes and plant

selections. This “mainstreams” these previously perceived “therapeutic” adaptations like raised beds, vertical walls and adaptive tools; concepts that have long been relegated to the treatment modalities of horticultural therapy. Reaction to this method of delivery resonates with the visitors; many have expressed intentions to incorporate these ideas into their recreational gardens having experienced them in this enabling garden. The Buehler Family Foundation Enabling Garden seem capable of transcending the line of ” therapeutic only” usage. Adaptive gardening techniques seem more palatable in this beautiful, carefully designed garden with its home gardener focus and its specific programming methodology.

Executive Director Brian Holley was able to convey his vision for the Buehler Family Foundation Enabling Garden to landscape architect Ellin Goetz, FASLA; a barrier free garden, rich in plant beauty which entices the visitor into the garden because of its beauty and restorative features. Only then does it reveal its adaptive elements, which are both lovely and helpful to home gardeners. This blending of functions speaks to the home gardener.

The physical attributes of the Buehler Family Foundation Enabling Garden provide the platform

The latest public enabling garden in the country has been built at Naples Botanical Garden in southwest Florida. It reflects the most current therapeutic landscape design trends; functionality combined with gorgeous plants to create an accessible sanctuary capable of HT programming and psychological healing.

The Buehler Family Foundation Enabling Garden in Naples is the second such garden which has received significant financial support from the Buehler Family; Patricia Buehler Blankenship, late husband Bert and their children. Chicago Botanic Gardens’ Buehler Enabling Garden also bears the family’s name and is well known within the therapeutic and landscape architect communities. Recognition of the Buehler family’s long-time support of these physical facilities underscores their pivotal role in the development of HT and therapeutic landscape disciplines. Accessible gardens are essential to horticultural therapy, and are the foundation for its theory and practice. The growth of therapeutic landscapes in hospitals, geriatric facilities, and schools, can be traced to Chicago’s Buehler Enabling Garden. The related HT programs, contract services, consulting and therapeutic landscape courses at Chicago Botanic Gardens have been instrumental in advancing therapeutic landscape/horticulture. This symbiotic relationship is expected to occur at the second Buehler enabling garden in Naples, as it interprets the HT and therapeutic landscape design fields with a 2011 take on new developments in these disciplines.

The focus of the Naples Buehler Family Foundation Enabling Garden is the home gardener. The strategy is to provide adaptive gardening ideas of relevance to this population so that it becomes integrated into gardening,

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The Buehler Family Foundation Enabling Garden, Naples Florida, Cont’

The House on Cherry B&BBy Victoria Freeman, M.Ed.

Go To Garden Stories, Con’t

Plant selection helps to blend beauty with accessible design elements. Every bit as beautiful as the other six garden areas at this semi-tropical paradise, the enabling garden’s plants were chosen for sensory stimulation, variety of heights/textures/growth habits, suitability for Florida climate and use in HT programs.

Accessible facilities are not limited to the enabling garden. Naples Botanical Garden in its entirety, is fully accessible.

The Children’s Garden playhouse and tree house are barrier-free, motorized scooters for mobility impaired visitors are available, as are

Four of my neighbors have tiny veggie plots on it. There is a labyrinth that was created by a church group and is now on the World Wide Labyrinth locator site, so frequently I see folks I do not know walking it (the last person was an Air Force Chaplain who walked it in honor of his fallen comrades). The garden is a certified Quiet Garden by the British Trust. Twice a year I open it for meditation.

multiple seating areas, and plants at numerous sight lines/ heights. All of these contribute to each visitor’s enjoyment and safety regardless of physical abilities. The enabling garden’s role within this context is to provide experiences to home gardeners, demonstrating how to integrate adaptive gardening into their gardens. The Buehler Family Foundation Enabling Garden does this beautifully while also providing a platform for HT programs, courses, lectures and direct delivery of HT services. It breaks new ground both in therapeutic landscape and horticultural therapy programming, positioning itself as the next generation of enabling gardens.

Haller, R and C. Kramer. Horticultural Therapy Methods Making Connections in Health Care, Human Service, and Community Programs. New York: Hawthorne Press, 2006.

Fleming, L. Brian Holley and Three Enabling Gardens.

Photo credits: Lesley Fleming

The current, totally organic garden is based on C.G. Jung’s three-part model: conscious, personal unconscious, collective unconscious. Jungians can journal by using a retreat sheet I offer. Non-Jungians can delight in organic blueberries and birdsong. I deeply believe it is healing in all respects.

for the aforementioned programming. The garden demonstrates latest accessible design concepts, using the most current materials for containers, paths, and tools. Exceeding ADA guidelines, paths are wide enough to allow for a spectrum of physical needs; scooters, wheelchairs, strollers and people. Additionally, several shaded areas with seating, water fountains at two heights, a tool shed with adaptive tools and a work station with knee clearance for wheelchairs are integrated into the garden, softening the feel of barrier free design.

Victoria Freeman, M.Ed., a member of AHTA, shared this favorite go-to green destination, which just happens to be at her home, The House on Cherry B & B.

Located in Jacksonville, FL, my friends call my garden the Etch-A-Sketch® garden because it has been destroyed three times by the St. Johns River. At first, I was distraught and then I learned to roll with the oncoming tide. Now I have made the garden a quasi community affair.

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Chile Herbario By Marie Arana-Urioste, HTR, Translated by Patricia Beige

and colour according to the season and each plant’s peak moment of beauty.

Later, in 2005, in an effort to make Herbarium universally accessible, the different gardens were connected through special access ramps and paths adapted for the users, avoiding the use of steps and made from paving cement. Shaded rest areas were also included, together with wind chimes to guide those with visual disabilities. Also this year, we sowed the Relaxation Meadow (900 m2), where we carry out some of our classes, gatherings and the physical exercises that are needed for the motor rehabilitation programme.

During 2006, the Protected Garden (108 m2) was designed and created together with the students from the second Horticultural Therapy Certificate Course in an area adjacent to the greenhouse and built specifically for users with mental disabilities in order to provide them with a defined and protected surface on which to work. This garden, built around a path in the shape of the awareness ribbon (AIDS, cancer, violence, etc.) is planted in different sections: a vine arbour in the north corner, a vegetable garden in the west corner, bulbs in the south corner, labiates in the centre and solanaceae in the east corner.

In 2007, we designed and built the Labyrinth (196 m2), a therapeutic garden used in psychiatry and psychology to treat mental issues.

We also have a Fragrant Rose Garden (600 m2) that was designed and planted, but that we haven’t been able to complete (paths and entrances), due to lack of financing.

These gardens are surrounded by fields of organic and aromatic herbs such as lavender, rosemary, thyme, roses, sage, violets, a forest of native species (created in 1992) and several areas that we have left untouched in order to allow local flora to continue to grow and attract beneficial insects that will in turn allow us to maintain biodiversity and control pests organically. The total land on which Herbarium sits is 2.5 hectares.

Also as part of the 2007 Horticultural Therapy Certificate Course, and with the involvement of the Course’s students, we studied and designed Pillpa, a project of community gardens for children. Tierra de Niños Pillpa is a Herbarium project that is being worked on in collaboration with ANIA, Manos y Naturaleza, Fundamor, and the Chilean Horticultural Therapy Association.

Herbarium opened its doors to the public in December of 1989. Though originally set up as a garden and nursery housing aromatic, medicinal and culinary plants, its mission is the promotion of a way of life that respectfully seeks harmony and peace through awareness and responsibility towards oneself, others and the natural environment. Our gardens, plants and aromatic products want to bring a piece of this experience to our clients.

Awareness means to live the present moment in depth; to constantly pay attention to everything that goes on in and around us; to use our five senses: taste, touch, hearing, smell and sight and hopefully develop a sixth, discovering the enormous potential of our spirituality. Practicing this state of consciousness promotes love, understanding, compassion and joy. This practice helps us come to terms with and transform the suffering from our lives and society.

Herbarium proposes we learn to develop our horticultural abilities and to use them as therapy for a better quality of life. In our courses and workshops we provide the knowledge for an organic and ecological handling of the garden. The garden makes us aware that we are part of an infinite universe, of a marvelous life cycle. Working the garden provides a feeling of self-satisfaction; it gives us peace and a perfect comprehension of what we were, what we are and what we will become. Our products and garden reflect the gifts attained through our work.

Aside from our plants and aromatic products, Herbarium is also a space in which to commune with nature, cultivate our spirit and heal our soul. This space is open to everyone, especially the older adult and the disabled.

Herbarium is a recreational and development centre; a place of harmony, pleasure, growth and peace.

Development of areas to be used for the practice of Horticultural Therapy

This stage was commenced in 2004, beginning with the design and creation of the Amphitheatre and the Sensory Garden (322 m2). Access to both spaces and flowerbeds in the latter are especially designed for people with motor disabilities. They were inaugurated in December of that same year. This garden favours aromatic, medicinal and culinary species stimulating the user’s senses, and changes in shape, fragrance

This garden is shaped like a giant butterfly or pillpa (875 m2) and in each of its wings it houses a different Horticultural Therapy programme focused essentially on education, health and training for the children of the Metropolitan Region, aiming to become an example to be duplicated in each of the towns of Greater Santiago and eventually in every town in Chile.

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Chile Herbario, Cont’

greenhouse with enough capacity to house an area for plant reproduction and cultivation, and another one where users will be able to work under cover to protect themselves from the sun in the summer and the rain and cold in the winter. Taking into account the methodology of the Herbarium HT programme, three additional areas are being created around the Pillpa butterfly which represent real life:

Social Interaction:To the east of Pillpa there is the “canchita”, a physical area in which to carry out games and artistic activities that promote social interaction between children and adults, as well as the acquisition and exchange of knowledge on the garden and proper health habits. It is formed by an area for children’s games and a small field to play sports.

Natural Resource Management:To the west and south of Pillpa, a geographical space where the user learns about local natural resources and how to use and take care of them. It is formed by the conservation native forest, the compost bin, the worm farm and the spring water system (cycle and recycling of water).

Self-management:To be developed as the head of the butterfly, under a thatched arbour. It will be a space where children, parents and other local stakeholders will coordinate, manage and develop activities designed to implement Pillpa Children’s Land, achieve financial sustainability and encourage a continuation of its core principles at the family level.

With this project, Herbarium contributes to the community four innovative social horticultural therapy programmes, 5,000 square metres of green space to the city of Santiago and a project that can be duplicated in all of Chile and Latin America.

Hence, one of the Pillpa wings - Semillas (Seeds) - is dedicated to preschoolers, from birth to the age of 3, where we will work with the mothers, training them so that through a mutual garden experience the children can grow with a sense of security in their physical space, feel emotionally rooted to it and develop a natural respect for their environment and for diversity.

Another Pillpa wing - Tierra de Niños (Children´s land) - is worked on by children from community schools in the town of Peñalolen (2008-2010 Jardín Infantil Kasper Hauser) They plan in the classroom and then work on organically growing produce, flowers and herbs to improve their nutrition and to learn simultaneously about botanics, math, the environment and peer respect, thus forming future social leaders.

A third wing of the butterfly - Preserva (Preserve) - is a programme for children at social risk, aged 5 to 14. Here we implement the vocational Horticultural Therapy programme to provide necessary training in a trade from which they will take away the tools they need to not just earn a living and avoid delinquency, but also learn to respect their peers and take care of their environment. This wing is being worked by Fundamor, under the supervision of Marie Arana, HTR, and the Herbarium HT team.

In the fourth Pillpa wing - Raíces y Brotes (Roots and Shoots) - encourage intergenerational respect and foster a shared experience for children and seniors, benefitting both age groups, who are working together in a social Horticultural Therapy programme. This wing is being directed by the Chilean Horticultural Therapy Association, under the supervision of horticultural therapist Carmen Fariña and Marie Arana, HTR.

This project also envisages the creation of a

…And it Works! Who Is Part Of The Herbarium Pillpa Project?ANIA, the Association for Childhood and its Environment, is a non-profit organization that was founded by Joaquin Leguia in Peru in 1995. Ania promotes socially responsible values and practices among children. They develop initiatives that favour the active involvement of boys and girls in the improvement of their environment through a participatory and inclusive methodology based on motivation, creation of safe and healthy spaces, orientation and acknowledgement. www.mundodeania.org.

The Chilean Horticultural Therapy Association is a non-profit organization that was founded in 2006 by the Herbarium Horticultural Therapy Certificate alumni. Its aim is to help horticultural therapy gain acceptance as a unique and dynamic human service programme.

Fundación Moreau is an organization dedicated to fostering the wellbeing of children and their families by reinstating the rights they have been stripped of and empowering them to leverage their personal capacities to protect themselves and each other.

Their work is inspired by Christian values and by the spiritual principals of the Santa Cruz congregation, and is based on professional excellence, efficient service and transparency of its staff and associates. www.fundamor.cl Manos y Naturaleza is a non-profit organization founded in 1985 by Monica Koppmann. It functions as a second home for children at social risk, a place where they can go after school, before their parents arrive home from work. The aim of this organization is to give children skills to overcome social risk and extreme poverty, to fully develop their abilities and to guide them through this process. www.manosynaturaleza.cl

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frequent the food pantry were provided with raised beds, choice of vegetables to grow, help with planting, and mentoring support through the growing season. The Southeast Michigan group met for a picnic and networking at the Tollgate Summer Festival. We began planning

serving people with special needs. Not only can this aid your budget but communicating with others in the horticultural industry can spread the word about the value of our profession. It is surprising how many professionals as well as the general public have not heard about horticulture as a therapy.

Since 1988 my focus has been working with the older adult population* in various settings. I have found that caregivers, whether professional or family/friends, want to make the setting of giving care as positive and pleasant as possible. What better than plants and flowers!

Often those that care give are also good at care

The Michigan Horticultural Therapy Association board of directors fell in love with lavender after spending a day at Yule Lavender Farm in Leonard, MI for its summer board meeting. We were like children in a candy shop. Iris Underwood, owner of the farm and friend of MHTA, was a presenter and vendor at the March 2011 MHTA conference. Wanting to experience her lavender, we arranged for a day on the farm.

Iris prepared a delicious lavender themed lunch for us. Earl Grey lavender tea, currant lemon lavender scone, a beautiful fresh salad with asparagus, arugula and spinach topped with a lemon/lime lavender/scented geranium white wine vinaigrette. The finale: a Ghirardelli triple chocolate lavender brownie with Yule Love It Lavender honey vanilla ice cream.

We delighted in seeing many lavender varieties in bloom with names like Mystery Blue, Jean Davis, and Edelweiss in addition to the popular Munstead and Grosso. Many of us bought little plants for our gardens. A little Royal Velvet appears quite happy in mine.

MHTA formed two cluster groups so members can meet informally to network and socialize. At the West Michigan meeting, Katie Vanderwal, from United Church Outreach Ministries, shared her summer project. Ten families who

Just a reminder to fellow AHTA members that this is a good time of the year to ask friends, family, colleagues, volunteers and professional businesses like florists, greenhouse growers and garden centers etc. for flowers, plants, and other items that could benefit your horticultural activities/therapy program.

For 23 years, I have been given “day old” flowers from a local florist. We use them for flower arranging, pressing, and drying for nature crafts. In addition a local grower gives me plastic pots that our volunteers wash, dry, and sort to sizes.

I have found that people are very willing to donate to horticultural therapy programs

Mixing Lavender and a Michigan Horticultural Therapy Association Board of Director’s Meeting: A Perfect Combination By Betsy Brown, HTR

Remember to Ask! By Dee McGuire, HTR / People, Plants & Sharing LLC

the MHTA conference to be held March 9-10, 2012. Keynote speaker will be Jen Molnar, MSW. Information will be on the website, www.michiganhta.org.

giving to plants. At my facility these care givers are often willing to offer a hand with watering, especially over the weekends and in areas that the residents/patients cannot reach. They are usually the ones who will bring those they are caring for outdoors to the garden. This can be most helpful for a busy horticultural therapist, while offering the resident/patient an extra opportunity to interact with nature.

** Dee is a contributing author in Horticultural Therapy And The Older Adult Population, by Suzanne Wells (Editor). Her chapter is “Implementing Horticultural Therapy into a Geriatric Long-Term Care Facility.”

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segments of the population who were most affected by this were children with disabilities and older adults who reside in senior living facilities. She went on to develop the idea of using traditional horticultural therapy practices, nationally recognized environmental education curricula, and one-on-one mentorship with older adults (over the age of 65) to create a program that is the only one of its kind in the United States.

The PLANT PROJECT® program has two well-defined components: FOCUS (Finding Our Conservation, Use, and Sustainability) is aimed at high school students with special needs, and TWIGS™ (Touching, Wondering, Investigating, Growing, and Sensing) was developed for

The PLANT PROJECT® program is a unique approach to horticultural therapy. The program has several components, aimed at different age groups and ability levels, but all components have the same mandate: to use plants and planting activities, environmental education, and a connection with nature to enable individuals to function to the fullest of their abilities, to become and remain contributing members of society, to assume stewardship of natural resources, and to feel self-worth, achievement, and self-reliance to the best of the individual’s abilities. The program was developed a few years ago by Cawaco’s Horticultural Therapy Program Director, Susan Grimes, who realized that while people in general were becoming disconnected with the natural world, the two

The PLANT PROJECT® Program By Lisa George

middle school level children with special needs. Four schools were enrolled in the program this past school year. However, three raised beds later and after three years of participation in the PLANT PROJECT® program, the students of the first high school to enter the program successfully took ownership of their FOCUS component of the PLANT PROJECT® program. The program has enrolled two new schools for the coming school year, which will afford the opportunity to follow students already enrolled at the middle school level as they move to high school, and to implement the TWIGS™ in an inclusive school environment.

Visible are two of the three raised beds at Hewitt-Trussville, Home of the JMG Snapdragons.

The Mentors for the students at Putnam share a laugh and a joke with Horticultural Therapy Program Director, Susan Grimes, at the last mentored session for the school year.

Horticultural Therapy Program Director, Susan Grimes, talks to students at Hewitt-Trussville about caretaking of their raised bed.

Principal Melissa Youngblood looks on as Director Susan Grimes and volunteer Marcia Mancill discuss plant propagation with the JMG group at Thompson Middle School.

Educational Coordinator Lisa George gives two students encouragement at words of wisdom now that she finally knows how NOT to kill plants.

Director Susan Grimes gives Assessment Coordinator Charles Frazer pointers on putting together the raised beds at Thompson Middle School.

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• connect with others working with the same population or environment

• learn from the experiences of others regarding issues such as session development, activities, client/staff relationships, and supervision

• find and share resources.

In addition to being required for professional registration with AHTA, internships are valuable learning experiences that provide opportunities to apply learned knowledge to real clinical situations. The HTI Intern Forum will be moderated by Karen L. Kennedy, HTR who has 25 years experience working in the field of HT and many years supporting interns in various working environments.

The official launch date of HTI’s Intern Forum is September 1. Introductory rate memberships

of gardening activities, cleverly combined to create a comprehensive horticultural therapy program.

From what started five short years ago with just a handful of preloved pots, the garden has become the jewel in health services provider Austin Health’s crown. Steven says patients involved in the rehabilitation program have shown marked improvement in behaviour, attitude and wellbeing.

Even the professional medical staff admit to feeling uplifted by having something beautiful to admire on their way to and from work.

The Horticultural Therapy Institute (HTI) introduces the first online multi-media networking community just for people who are preparing for, pursuing, currently doing or are supervising horticultural therapy internships. This new resource will be designed to enhance the intern experience by providing forum members with the opportunity to:

• network among current and future horticultural therapy professionals

• engage in professionally led and thought- provoking discussions

• post photos and descriptions of favorite projects as well as those with cautionary tales

• share and receive feedback on successes and challenges

First appeared in Australia’s Your Garden magazine, Winter 2011. Reprinted with Permission.

Keen gardeners have long known the therapeutic value of their favourite pastime. But now at Austin Health’s Royal Talbot Rehabilitation Centre, the garden has become as much a part of getting well as physiotherapy is.

One person can make a big difference, and to the patients at Austin Health’s Royal Talbot Rehabilitation Centre in Kew, Victoria, Steven Wells is more than just a nurse or horticultural therapist, he is a garden angel.

From a few rough sketches, donated plants and recycled pots and pickets, the horticultural therapy program and associated garden was born. It is here that Steven has been able to combine his training and knowledge to enhance the lives of all who visit the Acquired Brain Injury Unit.

From small ideas big things grow

Using plants for therapy is not a new idea. Owning and tending to plants has been shown to reduce stress, give people a purpose and help with all manner of conditions from old age to chronic fatigue. But instead of putting a solitary plant in the communal area of the hospital as a token gesture, Steven took this one step further: he thought that the patients at the Acquired Brain Injury Unit would benefit from all manner

HTI Intern Forum Beginning this Fall

Get Well Soon, Using Plants to Assist in Rehabilitation

are now available through www.htinstitute.org. For a nominal fee you can have access to this incredible resource and engaging community.

The HTI Intern Forum does not take the place of an internship supervisor. Nor will it directly match prospective interns with sites or supervisors. But it will help build relationships while equipping and enabling prospective and current interns as well as supervisors to make the most of the HT internship experience. The process of sharing successes, challenges, hopes and fears leads to a community versed in problem-solving and ultimately support. When often geographical barriers separate us from others learning in the field of horticultural therapy, the HTI Intern Forum provides those valuable connections instantly. Sign up and join the discussion.

Top - Level pathways, contemplative resting places and seasonal flowering plants are vital to the therapeutic garden.

Left - Deciduous trees highlight the seasons while architectural plants, such as Liriopes, potted Cycads, Philodendron ‘Xanadu’ and Cordyline australis provide texture and anchor the garden throughout the changing year.

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Reprinted with Permission

About 2 months passed since the Tohoku district Pacific Ocean earthquake. In the cities and towns on the coastal side which were devastated by the tsunami, the piles of rubble still exist. To be honest, I couldn’t help but thinking that we might have to just give up because it seemed just too much to get everything back to the same as it was in these towns. Countless people, such as family members and friends, were swallowed by the huge wave and the areas that they lived in had turned to ruins in an instant. The survivors of the disaster, who have been living at the evacuation centers or their homes since then, are forced to live in conditions that are far removed from the condition that is stated in the Consitutional article 25 ‘the right to live’ - a guarantee for every person in this country. Compared to the early stage of the disaster, their lives were getting much better in terms of getting supply of lifeline and goods, however they are only experiencing the ‘minimal level of life’. As more than 120,000 people over the wide areas are still forced to live in public situations at evacuation centers etc. Also, health issues such as malnutrition and psychological and physical problems have emerged. I only saw a part of their lives with my own eyes, I’ve seen some of them who were using cardboard boxes as partitions or tents for privacy at some of the evacuation centers (normaly a gymnastic hall etc.), but people’s lives at those places are still in a severe condition and everyone looked quite stifled.

In such a situation, there are children as well, of course. They should be able to actively move around as they are children and should have the freedom to develop, however the things that children can normally do are sealed off in such a situation (in some places, it’s even banned by the center’s rules). So they are forced to stay quiet.

In the big evacuation centers there are usually some volunteer people from a wide range of organizations and individuals to support the children, so the spaces of learning and playing are secured, but it still wasn’t enough, excepting some cases. For most children the parents are busy tidying up, going shopping, washing and so on, or there are always a few children who lost their parents or siblings. In this situation, care for the affected children wasn’t enough at all, both

“Smile Project” The 2nd reportThank you for reminding meBy Shizuoka University junior college department Associate professor Ebara Katsuyuki

Pink Hydrangea

Who thought such pink could be? Who knew it there

Accumulating in each blushing cluster?

Like gilded things which by and by unluster

They gently grow unred as if from wear.

That one should give such rosiness out free!

Does it stay theirs still, smiling where it went?

Are angels there to take it tenderly

As it surrenders, generous like a scent?

Or, it may be, they only let it go

That it might never learn of overblowing.

Beneath this pink there lurked a greenness, though,

Which listened and now fades away, all knowing.

The Best of Rilke Translated by Walter Arndt

Dartmouth Press Published by University Press

of New England Hanover and London

1989

t

t

t

environmentally and physically.

However, I’ve seen that the teenagers are actually looking after the young children in some of the evacuation places. Also, some of the young people from the Self-Defense Force and staff from a cell phone company for on-site charging service were interacting with the children during their work breaks. Seeing the children’s happy face reminded me how important it is to have daily based play for the children as well as holding play events. There were the usual smiling faces which could be seen in such interactions between children with each other and when they were just messing around with the young people.

Three HPS staff that had completed the training course visited there and handed out the sets of “play kit” and “kites” as part of the 2nd project, so they used these for playing with children. We had only a limited time but succeeded to introduce the lively activities and bring the children’s smiling faces back. Therefore, I confirmed the fact the the children’s cheerfulness and this power can encourage and relieve the adult’s minds. As long as the children can get their bright smiles back, which is how they should be anyway, and also secure their working and living spaces, everyone there can stay positive. So they can recover and get their lives back on the same sites even if it will take a long time. I have come to believe this after going through our project activities.

The 2nd Smile Project was operated in the base in Iwate Prefecture at Yamada- town which was affected by the devastating damage of the tunami and 1,000 people died or were missing. There are 31 evacuation centers and 2826 refuges at the time of April 27th (There was even a period of time where the safety of about 15,000 people which equals to 80% of the population wasn’t confirmed).

Due to the length of this article, only a small portion of it has been included in the newsletter. To read the full article please click here.

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Selections® flower and vegetable winners, one of the largest collection of American Hollies in the world, a Shrub Collection, a Shade Tree Collection, a Rhododendron and Azalea Garden, The Roy H. De Boer Evergreen Garden, The Ella Quimby Water Conservation Terrace Gardens, The Gardens for Sun & Shade, The Ornamental Tree Collection and a Bamboo Forest.

Amazingly, the gardens are maintained by only 5-8 student interns, over 100 volunteers and supported by only a hand full of staff.

We do not offer structured Horticultural Therapy programs at this time but it is in the master plan. Rutgers University has an accredited program in HT, so the gardens will serve as a place where students can learn and do hands on programming in the HT center

Did you know that New Jersey has the 2nd

highest population density per square mile in the US (per a recent article in the AARP July bulletin)? So how could we call Rutgers Gardens a “Secret Garden?” Although the earliest collection in the garden dates back to the 1920’s, it is only in the past 20 years that the gardens have been promoted to the general public on a daily basis. We are one of the few botanical gardens in the country that does not charge a visitor’s fee and is open 365 days a year.

Rutgers Gardens is the botanical garden at Rutgers University and encompasses almost 180 acres. This university gem is a wonderful “oasis” on Route 1 in central New Jersey.

The maintained areas include the Donald B. Lacey Display Garden featuring All America

The “Secret Garden” in Central New JerseyBy MaryAnne McMillan, HTR / Volunteer Coordinator, Rutgers Gardens

which is part of the Master plan. The Rutgers Horticultural Therapy curricula is approved and accredited by AHTA and students apply their credentials toward the Professional Registration as a Horticultural Therapist.

How do I know about this “Secret Garden?” I am lucky enough to be on staff, working part time over the last seventeen years; guiding the volunteers and the display garden program. And, I have taken the challenge on of making this a secret garden no longer. I would be happy to share this garden with you. Just give me a call when you are in the area! We invite you to come visit the gardens. Check out our website at www.rutgersgardens.rutgers.edu.

Front Beds at Rutgers Garden

Holly House/Rutgers Gardens in the fall

Winter scene at Rutgers Garden

Magnolia in the Spring at Rutgers

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focused on the play support for the children at a Play Park which was called “Asobeba” which was established by a NPO “Japan Adventure Play Association” as one of their activities for the disaster recovery support in Kesennuma City Motoyoshi area which was affected by the tsunami. Also the purpose was for handing out the “play kit” to the suffering children who lived at each evacuation center in the city and the temporary housing. We had 500 sets ready to bring with us. Two HPS carried out the play support there - Konagaya (participated in the 2nd project) from Shizuoka General Hospital and Suwabe (the first time participating this time) from Shizuoka Children Hospital. In regard to the transport means to get there this time, we borrowed a small van-type rental car in Shizuoka. We filled up the car with the luggage for the three of us, play tools and cardboard boxes that contained 500 sets of the play kits and then left Shizuoka University Junior college. The overview of the activity is as follows.

3rd Visit

10th June (Friday)

16:00: Departure. Going north via Tomei- expressway, capital freeway, and Tohoku-expressway from Shizuoka IC,.

June 11th (Saturday)

1:30: Kinjo PA arrival. After having a nap, heading to Kesennuma City along national road 284 from the Ichinoseki IC.

08:00: Motoyoshi Seiryoin arrival. Had a meeting with staff of “Asobeba”.

10:00: Started the activity at the Play Park. It was raining but there was a child who was waiting.

1. Activity OverviewThe wide area in the towns and villages in the Tohoku district Pacific Ocean coastal area was affected by the Tohoku Region Pacific Coast Earthquake. Kesennuma City, which we visited this time was one of those. Even though 3 months passed since the earthquake disaster, the appearance of the damaged area basically looked the same, and it is always painful to see the devastating damage in the coastal area by the enormous tsunami. However, the removal of some of the debris seemed to be moving ahead little by little here and there, and the road shoulder along the national road 45 which is a main road was fairly clean and became easy for the traffic to navigate. There were brand-new electric light poles lined up on the side of the road and also electric power restored, except for the severely damaged areas hit by the tsunami. However, at the present time of June 10th, the number of the people killed and missing (the number of ones that were reported) is 1,481 in the whole Kesennuma City and 3,069 are still living in the evacuation centers which number 58 in total. The people who could move into the emergency temporary housings were decided by a draw, and at the 1,159 houses (in 14 places in the city) that was about half of the 2,060 houses (in 37 places in the city) that were under construction schedule, people finally started moving in. As for the water supply which was essential for living, and it still wasn’t working in Koizumi, Tsutani and Oyachi ward (completion of the work was planned for the middle of June). As for the sewage, because the treatment facility stopped working because of the tsunami damage, it wasn’t available to the whole city.

When driving along the coastline, the ordinary scenery of the rows of stores and houses on a street suddenly changed completely to the scenery with the spread of debris all around at the low-lying area on the coast, but when passing through the area which was a little higher, the scenery went back to the ordinary and it was hardly able to recognize the devastating damage nearby, and when going through the low-lying area again, it went back to the scenery with the debris. It was repeated over and over again.

This time was the 3rd “Smile Project” by HPS and was implemented in the period of 10th to 13th June (Friday to Monday) and it was

“Smile Project” The 3rd reportThe power to make our wish come true for the children who experienced the TSUNAMIShizuoka University of junior college / Associate professor Katsuyuki Ebara

16:00: Handed out play kits in the Omose junior high school (the evacuation center and temporary housing).

18:00: Dinner. Overall meeting, and “Asobeba” staff evaluation meeting.

23:00: Going to bed (In the shanty international volunteer center)

June 12th (Sunday)

07:00: Wake-up, cleaning and breakfast, “Asobeba” short meeting.

10:00: Preparation in the Play Park, safety- check (About 10 children were playing already).

10:30: Handing out the play kits in Kaori junior high school and Kesennuma high school.

13:00: Play support by HPS in “Asobeba”.

17:00: Finished the activity, put the play kits away, greeting to the other staff and departed Seiryoin

19:30: Arrived at the accommodation (Ichinoseki Tokyu Inn)

June 13th (The month)

09:00: Departure. Heading back to the campus via expressway from Ichinoseki IC.

14:00: Safely arrived at the Kojika campus.

We used a space in the temporary office that was established by Public Interest Incorporated Association “Shanti Volunteer Association (SVA)” as our project activity base this time.

Electricity and water supply were secured and the place was well equipped with the simple shower room, too. We had meals together and shared cleaning duty and so on.

Due to the length of this article, only a small portion of it has been included in the newsletter. To read the full article please click here.

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You are invited to submit manuscripts for consideration for publication in the Journal of Therapeutic Horticulture. Manuscripts may include research projects, case studies, program and services descriptions, therapeutic practice descriptions, therapeutic horticulture philosophies, therapeutic design project descriptions, relevant book reviews, and other related topics.

Manuscripts should be submitted to one of the following sections:

ResearchIncludes manuscripts of research reports and case studies that contain research components such as a research question, objective, literature review, data collection and analysis, and results and conclusion.

Practice ForumIncludes manuscripts describing horticultural therapy programs, case reports, teaching techniques and tools, and other related items.

Therapeutic Landscape and Garden DesignIncludes manuscripts on the design, history, and/or theory of gardens and other landscapes as they relate to the field of horticultural therapy.

Issues in the ProfessionIncludes manuscripts on such topics as education and training, professional or organizational issues, legislative issues, or other related areas.

Horticultural Therapy and the CommunityIncludes manuscripts on the interaction of horticultural therapy issues and the community at large.

Upon ReflectionIncludes thoughts on the more philosophical, reflective, and/or spiritual aspects of therapeutic horticulture.

Book ReviewsManuscript submissions to the JTH should be in the range of 1200-8000 words and can be sent as an e-mail attachment in Microsoft Word. Manuscripts must represent original material that has not been previously published or that is not under consideration for publication elsewhere. In addition, authors are required to submit an abstract of the manuscript and a brief biography. If the author does not have

mastery of the English language, the manuscript must be professionally translated before being submitted.

Authors are asked to follow AHTA’s published definitions when describing horticultural therapy and related programs in their manuscripts (see ahta.org or contact the editor). References should follow the author-date format. The authority for style is the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association. For more information on style and formatting, please contact the Editor-in-Chief.

Manuscripts must be accompanied by a cover letter indicating that the work is intended for publication and to which section it is being submitted. Please also submit the names and contact information of 2-3 individuals that you feel are qualified to review your manuscript. Graphics and photographic images are acceptable and encouraged if relevant. Authors whose manuscripts are accepted for publication in the JTH will be required to submit a rights assignment form. Manuscripts accepted for publication will undergo an editing process and be forwarded to the author for final clearance before publication.

The editorial board will consider quality, practicality, timeliness, and relevance to the area of therapeutic horticulture.

Send cover letter, manuscript, abstract, brief biography, and contact information for qualified reviewers to:

Elizabeth R. Messer Diehl, ASLA, HTM Editor-in-Chief [email protected] [email protected] (352) 514-5802

New Benefit for AHTA Members: Discounts on GEICO InsuranceBy: Jennifer Jones, AHTA Account Executive

America’s favorite gecko is now a member of the AHTA family. AHTA is pleased to offer members discounts on GEICO insurance policies including:

• Automobile • Homeowner • Powersport: including boats, RV, ATV and personal watercraft • Renter’s Insurance • Condo • Umbrella Coverage

Discounts on GEICO policies will vary depending on location. To obtain a quote for a GEICO insurance policy, please call 1-800-368-2734 or visit GEICO’s AHTA member page http://www.geico.com/landingpage/go51.htm?logo=70401. When you are calling, don’t forget to mention that you are an AHTA member to find out how much your membership can qualify you for additional savings. AHTA members with an existing GEICO policy can also contact GEICO about adding the AHTA member discount to their GEICO policy.

For more information, contact AHTA headquarters at 484-654-0357 or [email protected].

Journal of Therapeutic Horticulture Call for Papers by Elizabeth R. Messer Diehl, ASLA, HTM

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The following is an excerpt from the AHTA Definitions & Positions paper, which was published in 2007. The full paper can be accessed on the AHTA website at www.ahta.org/documents/Final_HT_Position_Paper_updated_409.pdf

To increase understanding of the profession, the American Horticultural Therapy Association (AHTA) has put together the following outline to define the terms recognized by AHTA that are associated with people-plant relationships and to provide additional information on horticultural therapy.

Types of Programs

Horticultural Therapy Horticultural therapy is the engagement of a client in horticultural activities facilitated by a trained therapist to achieve specific and documented treatment goals. AHTA believes that horticultural therapy is an active process which occurs in the context of an established treatment plan where the process itself is

considered the therapeutic activity rather than the end product. Horticultural therapy programs can be found in a wide variety of healthcare, rehabilitative, and residential settings.

Therapeutic Horticulture Therapeutic horticulture is a process that uses plants and plant-related activities through which participants strive to improve their well-being through active or passive involvement. In a therapeutic horticulture program, goals are not clinically defined and documented but the leader will have training in the use of horticulture as a medium for human well-being. This type of program may be found in a wide variety of healthcare, rehabilitative, and residential settings.

Social Horticulture Social horticulture, sometimes referred to as community horticulture, is a leisure or recreational activity related to plants and

gardening. No treatment goals are defined, no therapist is present, and the focus is on social interaction and horticulture activities. A typical community garden or garden club is a good example of a social horticulture setting.

Vocational Horticulture A vocational horticulture program, which is often a major component of a horticultural therapy program, focuses on providing training that enables individuals to work in the horticulture industry professionally, either independently or semi-independently. These individuals may or may not have some type of disability. Vocational horticultural programs may be found in schools, residential facilities, or rehabilitation facilities, among others.

Definitions and Positions by Elizabeth R. Messer Diehl, ASLA, HTM

When writing a paper, it is always important to support any assertions you make within the paper. If you are referring to an idea or fact you read or heard somewhere else, you must reference the author or speaker within your paper; otherwise you are, in effect, committing plagiarism. The Journal of Therapeutic Horticulture uses the author-date citation format, meaning that the author of the original idea and the date that it was published (or presented) is included in the body of the text. That citation is then accompanied by a full reference that is found at the end of the paper. For example:

Restorative experiences can happen at various times and have different intensity levels (Kaplan, Kaplan & Ryan, 1998).

Many studies have shown that anxiety, tension, and nervousness are associated with stress under aversive conditions (Lazarus, 1966; Evans

& Cohen, 1987). Stress and emotions, especially negative feelings, seem to be highly related; that is, stress results in bad moods (Brannon & Feist, 1997).

All of these citations would have a full reference associated with them at the end of the paper, such as:

Kaplan, R., Kaplan, S. and Ryan, R.L. (1998). With people in mind: Design and management of everyday nature. Washington, DC: Island Press.

When talking about things discovered within your own program you also must support your assertions, even if there is no research that you can find that does so. For example, instead of writing: Horticultural therapy leads to more positive moods and decreased anger.

Write something along the lines of: Staff in the Smith Horticultural Therapy Program have reported noticeably improved moods and decreased anger in many clients in the program.

While this alternative may not be acceptable in all types of publications, you have attempted to be clear that you are referring to your own anecdotal findings. The statement would be more credible if you could refer to program documentation (tracking logs, behavior reports, etc.) that back up your verbal reports.

If you have questions on these references or any other writing issues, feel free to contact me. Write on!

Leah Messer Diehl [email protected]

From the Journal of Therapeutic Horticulture…Tips on Writing: Capitalizationby Elizabeth R. Messer Diehl, ASLA, HTM

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SILENT AUCTIONThis year at the 2011 AHTA Annual Conference: Recovery & Rehabilitation: The Role of Horticultural Therapy in the Therapeutic Community, an old familiar “friend” will be back with us in Asheville. We are pleased to announce the return of the very popular Silent Auction. While at the conference you will have the opportunity to bid on garden tools, HT books, or perhaps even a vacation getaway. This is your chance to do a little holiday shopping or find a special item to treat yourself with while supporting your profession at the same time. All proceeds from the auction will benefit AHTA. Tuck away a little extra cash and be sure to look for the Silent Auction at the conference. And, if you have anything you would like to donate to be auctioned, please contact Martha Heinze at AHTA Headquarters ([email protected]) and she will work out the details with you! See you in Asheville!

AHTA News - The AHTANews is published quarterly by the American Horticultural Therapy Association, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. AHTA’s mission is to promote and advance the profession of horticultural therapy.

Board of Directors President - Gabriela Harvey, HTR [email protected] Vice President - MaryAnne McMillan, HTR [email protected] Treasurer - Markus Wullimann, HTR [email protected] Secretary - Leigh Anne Starling, HTR [email protected] Immediate Past President - Lana Dreyfuss, HTR [email protected] Brian Slovacek [email protected] Jack Carman [email protected] Johanna Leos, HTM [email protected] Steve Mitrione [email protected] René Thompson, HTR [email protected] Melissa Bierman, HTR [email protected] Gwenn Fried [email protected] Barbara Krajewski [email protected] Patty Cassidy, HTR [email protected] Amy Wagenfeld, HTR [email protected] Maria Scungio [email protected] AHTA Association Director - Martha Heinze [email protected] AHTA Account Executive - Jennifer Jones [email protected]

AHTA News © 2011 American Horticultural Therapy Association. All rights reserved. AHTA, 150 S. Warner Road, Suite 156, King of Prussia, PA. 19406. Phone: 484-654-0357

Seeking Internship Sites

The Internship is an integral part of horticultural therapy training – perhaps the only time a student has direct contact with patients in a clinical setting prior to employment in the field.

Many students have expressed a need for clinical sites and internship supervisors. To address this need AHTA’s Internship Task Force is compiling a directory of clinical sites and internship supervisors. Though there are horticultural therapy programs located throughout the United States, we are finding that students are having a difficult time locating internship sites and supervisors within close proximity of their homes. We really need your help. Questions? Contact Johanna G. Leos, MAg, MBA, HTM, Internship Task Force Leader and Board of Directors Liaison at [email protected]. THANK YOU for helping to grow our profession!

Please click on the link http://www.ahta.org/content.cfm?id=internships to add your program or supervisory skills to the directory.