Horticultural healing

Kelli Rodda

It’s no secret that gardening is therapeutic. And horticultural therapy is not a new concept, in fact it’s a centuries-old practice. But it’s been getting a lot of attention lately as more people embrace the holistic approach to healing.

Horticultural therapy involves using plants and gardens to promote emotional, physical and mental well-being. It provides sensory stimulation and skill development, among many other benefits.

The National Garden Bureau (NGB) has recognized this practice as one that can benefit people across the nation. In response, it has launched the first-of-its-kind “Growing for Futures” philanthropic program to build therapeutic gardens across the country. This ongoing, annual, fundraising initiative is designed to cultivate horticulture careers and life skills, while also growing plants, vegetables, herbs and fruit for partnering organizations and communities. But NGB needs the industry’s and the public’s help to make it happen.

This year, NGB has chosen the Growing Solutions Farm in Chicago as the first beneficiary of its annual fundraising effort. Growing Solutions Farm is a vocational program of the Julie + Michael Tracy Family Foundation/Urban Autism Solutions (JMTF), which serves, educates and trains young adults with autism. NGB’s goal is to raise $50,000 in cash and supplies to help support the continued growth of this innovative garden project.

The Growing Solutions Farm is located in Chicago’s Illinois Medical District, at W. Campbell Park Drive and S. Leavitt Street. This one-acre urban garden oasis is a nurturing environment where young adults with autism work together with an urban farmer, vocational coach, teachers, volunteers and agency staff to develop skills that can lead to career opportunities in the agriculture, horticulture, food processing and distribution industries.

This summer, up to 20 young adults will work at the Growing Solutions Farm, learning to grow and care for plants, as well as gain practical skills in harvesting and cooking the produce that’s grown. These skills teach work ethics and processes, along with the necessary mechanics for independent living. The farm features a variety of vegetables and herbs. Plans are to further develop the farm to include hoop and greenhouses, drip irrigation systems, a berry patch, fruit trees, native plant border and other produce.

The NGB will use a three-phase fundraising plan via Indiegogo to raise $30,000 in cash to support the Growing Solutions Farm. In an innovative twist, each donor contribution will translate into a tangible item needed by the garden. For example, a $10 donation will purchase a watering nozzle; a $25 donation will buy 50-feet of watering hose and so on. The NGB also hopes to garner another $20,000 through donated supplies from horticulture businesses.

Donate at this site — http://bit.ly/1nNoxQS. The campaign ends Aug. 23, so please don’t delay. I encourage you to share this campaign with your customers and fellow growers, as well as your employees. It’s an amazing feeling when you serve others.