Under the American Horticultural Therapy Association (AHTA), the definition of Horticultural Therapy (HT) is the engagement of a person in gardening-related activities, facilitated by a trained therapist, to achieve specific treatment goals. At the Gardens, the program was operated beginning in 2010 as non-treatment goal oriented, and was referred to as “therapeutic horticulture.” However, with a trained and registered horticultural therapist, it is our intent beginning with the 2011 season to add a goal-treatment-oriented division at Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens. Landscape Designer and Horticulturalist Irene Brady Barber was hired as an intern in 2010 to run the pilot program, coordinating the gardening activities according to group and individual abilities. Four focus groups participated in the activities for up to 12 weeks between mid-June and mid-September.

The groups encompassed individuals of many different abilities. The gardening activities provided a source of emotional, physical and mental benefits. Group sizes ranged from three to seven people. Irene had assistance from several volunteers and other staff members to run the program successfully.  Some of the groups were accompanied by assistants from the facilities with which they were associated. Participants came from Mobius Inc. in Damariscotta, The Lincoln Home in Newcastle, St. Andrews’ Gregory Wing in Boothbay, and VIP (Visually Impaired People) in Boothbay. Each individual overcame what is considered a challenge while they performed the gardening activities; for instance, someone who is visually impaired was able to sew lettuce seeds in one of the raised beds. Another person functioning in a wheelchair was able to pull out bolting lettuce in the same raised bed, which has wheelchair accessibility. These activities were mostly held in our Lerner Garden of the Five Senses. 

In 2011, Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens will offer a minimal fee-based HT program with new group sizes of four or more and will also run a one-on-one goal-oriented series. Sessions will be offered in 5- or 12-week series. Eventually, we plan to offer HT training opportunities to professionals in the health care or education fields.                                                           

For additional information, please contact Irene Barber at the Gardens at 207-633-4333.