Sprouts, Spades, & Shenanigans: Learning Gardens and Therapeutic Horticulture in Practice

We are sharing lessons learned and plenty of ideas for engaging all ages in hands-on therapeutic horticulture activities! The Darien Garden Club's Sprouts Youth Garden Club is based out of the Learning Garden at St. John Lutheran Church and meets once per month in the evening. This small garden produces over 250 lbs of food per year, and all of the families share in the harvest, with extras going to the local food pantry. The kids assist in all aspects of the garden, and each month's meetings have different themes, guest speakers, and activities. This season, we are planning an expansion guided by permaculture principles. We will also highlight the Community Garden at Benedictine University. This garden was started in 2006 to give university students an experimental space to grow their own food. Recently, the Jurica-Suchy Nature Museum took over as Garden Coordinator, and added bi-monthly sessions of therapeutic horticulture to help students get more comfortable in the garden and engaging in natural areas on campus. This presentation will share the history and evolution of the DGC Sprouts club as it enters its 5th season, along with ideas, plans, and advice for working with kids 2-16 years old. We will also share lessons learned at the BenU Community Garden and our engagement with undergraduate students. Then, dive into therapeutic horticulture and experience several examples of nature art activities to make and take home with you. Be inspired, focus your mind, and grow with us!