Therapeutic horticulture uses gardening and nature-based activities to support physical and mental wellbeing. Experiencing the calming effects of working with soil and plants, participants practice fine and gross motor skills, improve focus, memory, and sensory processing, and foster creativity and social skills.

We run mobile programs at schools, community centers, libraries, senior living communities, and other facilities, and can adapt programs to fit a wide range of settings and participant needs.

Programs are between 30 and 60 minutes long and tailored to small to medium size groups. Adaptive tools for all abilities are provided. All materials are non-toxic and safe.

Program pricing is customized and reflects group size, location, session length, and the specific activities or materials requested. If you’re interested in bringing a therapeutic horticulture program to your organization, please reach out to learn more or to discuss your needs.

PROGRAMS FOR ALL AGES

Garden Club 

This program introduces basic indoor and outdoor gardening skills such as sowing, propagating, pruning, plant care, and seed harvesting. We grow vegetables, herbs, perennials, and balcony tea gardens in planter boxes and containers of varying sizes. 

PA in Bloom  

Each month, we explore native Pennsylvania plants that are currently in bloom. Combining observation, discussion, and hands-on activities, we discover our local ecosystem while engaging our senses and building new connections to our living environment.

Pollinator Pals

We learn about the relationships between plants and their different pollinating partners, including butterflies, bees, moths, and bats, and plant pollinator-friendly species in containers of various sizes. 

Bird Language

We learn to distinguish between different types of bird song, alerts, and behaviors, and how to connect the sounds we hear in trees and our environment to local species. As we are listening and observing, we “create the story” of the birds and the other species that live around us.  

Feeling Rooted 

We practice gentle transplanting techniques while reflecting on personal experiences of being “transplanted” when moving and adjusting to new places and becoming rooted in a new community. This session combines fine motor skills, reminiscing, and mindful plant care. 

Growing Together: Mini Terrarium Workshop   

We work in pairs to create a mini terrarium. Shared tasks include choosing a preferred design and materials, transplanting, and watering. This hands-on collaboration encourages focus on the task at hand and allows families and friends to learn a new shared skill. 

Understories and Overstories    

We share memories and personal experiences inspired by a featured plant, using its life cycle as a framework for storytelling and reflection. This program fosters social connection, inviting participants to actively share their own stories or simply listen, reflect, and enjoy.

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PROGRAMS FOR CHILDREN AND FAMILIES

Kids Garden Lab

Adaptable for both indoor and outdoor settings, Kids Garden Lab invites children to dig into soil, examine seeds up close, and explore what plants need to grow and thrive.

Through projects including seed dissection, simple propagation activities, growing windowsill vegetables, pizza gardens, and mini orchards, we learn how food is grown and how plants change with the seasons. We record our observations in our gardeners’ journals, building skills in scientific thinking, reflection, and observation.

At its core, Kids Garden Lab is about helping children develop a meaningful relationship with the natural world. The program introduces the basics of environmental stewardship and land care, and supports the development of responsibility, empathy, and a sense of rootedness in our local ecosystem.

Soil and Nature Exploration Station   

This sensory-rich experience allows children to become comfortable with natural materials and discover the textures, colors, and other properties of soils and sands. We use hands and tools to explore the differences between these materials and observe how each changes and responds to wind and water. Mud pies are encouraged! Those who wish can plant seeds in small pots to take home. 

Nature Detectives

Children become wildlife trackers as they explore local animals and the clues they leave behind. Through guided observation of tracks, signs, and bird language, children learn to “read” and interpret their natural environment while learning about different species and their habitats. Offered as a one-off or repeat program. *Outdoor setting only. 

Understories and Overstories 

In this interactive story time, children bring to life tales of wild creatures and plants with dramatic play and nature-inspired props. Aimed at younger children and their families. Offered as a one-off or repeat program. 

Jewelry Workshop   

We create colorful plant jewelry by threading beads on houseplants or herbs. This gentle and slow-pace activity helps strengthen focus, fine motor skills, and hand-eye coordination. Participants take home their beaded plants with extra beads to continue the projects.

Seeds on the Move   

We explore how different seeds are spread by water, wind, animals, and even seed pod explosions! We create our own wildflower seed balls to take home and team up for a wind and water seed race. This program supports children’s fine and gross motor skills and encourages social interaction and team spirit.

Additional programs:

Build a Mini Garden in a Box, Nature Music, Nature Arts and Crafts.

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