Horticulture Therapy
Horticulture Therapy Definition: The purposeful practice of using plants and gardening to improve mental and physical well-being.
Horticulture Therapy Class- May 3, 2024
Sandyvale Memorial Gardens and Greenhouse
The Horticulture Therapy committee presented a program to clients of the Conemaugh Cancer Center’s Cancer Survivorship Initiative on Friday, May 3, 2024 at the Sandyvale Memorial Gardens. In keeping with the Center’s theme: “Cancer is for the Birds,” our presentation was titled “Backyard Bird Basics” and focused on way to attract birds to their garden/yard and the health and mind benefits that birdwatching brings.
We discussed the three essential needs of the birds – shelter, water and food – and a variety of ways to introduce and incorporate them into the garden. Native plantings were encouraged to provide shelter and food. Guests were given Liatris corms and instructions on how to plant them. Several types of bird feeders and seed options were introduced. We also talked about the maintenance of bird houses, bird baths and feeders and the importance of maintaining cleanliness to avoid the spread of disease.
Examples of bird feeders and a bird house were displayed. A picture of a male goldfinch in his summer colors was pictured on the table.
Pictured : bird house and various seed types, binoculars for bird watching, brochures on native plants and birds of Pennsylvania were on display. Each participant was given a bag with liatris corms along with instructions for planting.
Our discussion concluded with guides and information to help with the identification of bird species and the symbolism and meanings of visits from specific birds.
Our guests were very interactive with our discussion as they shared their own experiences and practices with birds. The program was well received again; several of the attendees had been at our previous Sandyvale presentations.
Handouts were provided which included a summary of our discussion, bird seed guides, PA DCNR’s Native Plants guide, common bird symbols, and pictures of common wild birds in our area. Guests were also gifted a Birds of PA book to help with identification.
Information on future Garden Club meetings and events was also shared. We invited them to attend our monthly meetings, Flower Show and Welcome the Holidays.
The generosity of Diana Kabo and the Sandyvale Memorial Gardens was much appreciated. They provided the space, table cloths, drinks and a milk weed pod ornament.
Prepared by Carla Straw
Committee: Nancy Myers, Lois Spory, Sarah Schott, and Carla Straw
Pictures of wild birds that can be observed in our area.
Horticulture Therapy Class- October 13, 2023
Sandyvale Memorial Gardens and Greenhouse
Sarah Schott leads the discussion
“Garden Sense” was held at Sandyvale greenhouse on Friday, October 13th. Sandyvale offered to host this event and provided refreshments. There were seven attendees to include cancer patients and their caregivers. Horticulture therapy committee members Sarah Schott, Carla Straw and Nancy Myers presented information and handouts. The group explored the qualities of houseplants through their senses to enhance their awareness and create a sense of calm. Sarah Schott guided the participants in a sensory exercise using the houseplants. There was an interactive discussion led by Sarah and Carla about plant properties, plant care, and propagation. Nancy presented a take-home wall calendar that gave daily suggestions for activities that create well-being. Each participant received several houseplants and cuttings that several garden club members propagated and submitted for this program. The program was a huge success and the participants gave very positive feedback. They said that they were very excited about what they learned and to try their hand at nurturing and propagating. They were also excited to have various plants to take home. They asked when the next workshop will be.
Acorns and Assorted Plants
Philodendron, Red Anthurium, and Arrowhead houseplants
Aromatic Plant Collection: Basil, Cypress, Sage, and Rosemary
Bringing Nature Indoors
Sandyvale Water Feature
Horticulture Therapy Class- May 6, 2023
Sandyvale Memorial Gardens and Greenhouse
The Horticulture Therapy Committee conducted a class for some Conemaugh Cancer Care Center patients. This year the center is celebrating cancer survivors with the theme, “Hope Grows Here,” as they strive to offer continuous support and encouragement to their patients throughout their cancer care journey.
As part of this journey, the center wanted to include workshops to increase relaxation, decrease stress and build support. After being contacted by the center’s oncology social worker, Jamie Mack, the Horticulture Therapy Committee planned their class with this in mind. Seven clients plus Jamie participated.
The program focused on being mindful of the nature around us and encouraged participants to focus on the often overlooked characteristics of plants and nature by using the five senses. They also discussed ways to find interest in fall and winter gardens once the seasons change. Our guests examined a variety of foliage, floral and herbal plants and could study them individually to see their differences and similarities.
Pictured left to right, first row - Sarah Schott and Carla Straw; second row - Jamie Mack and Nancy Myers.
Elements of the Lesson
Flowering Plants
Assortment of Herbs
Foliage with Various Leaf Types
Autumn Garden Interest
Winter Garden Interest
Flowers in Bloom
Although they’re all flower blooms, when you look closely at each individual one, you find the differences in their colors, petal forms, leaf shapes and textures, and smells.
Sandyvale supplied lavender plants for all participants. Jamie practiced a mindfulness exercise led by Sarah Schott which focused on using each of the five senses to study the characteristics of the lavender plant.
A garden planter with several different plants can bring nature indoors. The bark container provides an interesting rough and textured sense of touch.
Garden Therapy
“Everyone should have the pleasure of gardening! Garden Therapy is another name for horticulture therapy or therapy gardening. It is defined as the use of garden-related activities as an aid to the recovery and rehabilitation, the enjoyment and pleasure of our disabled—-physical or mental, young or old.
Club members are willing and eager to share their time, knowledge, plant material, imagination and entusiasm to others, who may have special needs and share some joy they have found in their own garden experiences.
Garden related is defined as: the growing of plants, the artistic use of plants and other natural materials; the study of birds, butterflies, nature and conservation; and the exhibiting of knowledge, interest, and skills in these areas.”
Bonnie Borne, NGC Therapy Gardens for the Disabled Chairman
The National Gardener
Summer 2016, p. 29
Adapted Garden Beds
The Garden Club of Johnstown Horticulture Therapy Committee made visits to area nursing homes, such as the Presbyterian Home, the Lutheran Home and Arbutus Village.
Faith Thomas, committee chair:
“For those who are unable to pursue gardening independently….
Through crafts and plantings, we help them enjoy flowers and vegetables in the short time we can spend with them.”
Residents at Arbutus Village participate in a planting activity.