With more than 40 years of programming experience, Horticultural Therapy Direct Services is uniquely prepared to plan and deliver seasonal therapeutic horticulture sessions at our site or yours.
In our experience, using therapeutic horticulture with other interventions produces significant results when the goal is to actively engage clients in improving their health. Research has demonstrated that when attention is directed toward nature, predictable reduction of stress results. Our therapists specialize in actively engaging clients of all levels of ability with gardening and other natural elements. Our typical contracts are detailed below; however, we can also customize a contract to suit your specific needs. Come garden with us!
At Your Facility
Year-round, one of our trained horticultural therapists will come to your site with all supplies needed to conduct a session or create a container garden. We travel throughout the Chicago area to schools with students who have special needs, to residential or day-care facilities, and more. Contracts are usually provided per season, but individual arrangements will be considered.
Please contact Dominique Stevens (Click here to show mail address) for pricing and availability.
At the Buehler Enabling Garden
Delight your group with fun, educational plant-based activities designed to reduce stress and stimulate the senses. Designed to be universally accessible as well as therapeutic, the Enabling Garden features raised bed plantings bursting with color, texture, and scents. Amenities include large accessible bathrooms, wheelchair accessible tables, and close proximity to parking and the rest of the garden.
During the growing season (mid-May through mid-October), Horticultural Therapists facilitate up to 15 participants in our outdoor classroom, using this fully accessible garden.
Life Enrichment Groups
Conducted in the outdoor classroom, sensory plant-based, one-hour programs are designed to accommodate and engage individuals with special needs of all ages. Participants will tour the Enabling Garden and interact with the garden’s space by smelling, touching, listening, and looking. Each participant will pot-up a sensory dish garden to bring home.
Wednesday – Friday, mid-May through mid-October
$140; includes parking and all supplies
Maximum number of participants: 15.
In addition, proper ratio of staff to participants is required.
Email Alicia Green for availability and details at Click here to show mail address.