Connecting with the natural world through gardening can deeply impact our physical and mental health.
For years, Earthwise Society’s Therapeutic Horticulture Programs have harnessed the intrinsic power of nature to provide healing and well-being to people of all ages.
This fall, Earthwise Society will once again host its Garden Buddies Mentor Training program, designed to equip new volunteers with the skills necessary to work with and empower seniors in the garden.
The Garden Buddies program connects different generations through weekly garden meetups, where participants engage in a variety of activities, discussions, and workshops related to food growing, healthy eating, small space gardening, and much more.
The Mentor Training Program, led by Katie McGillivray, Registered Horticultural Therapist (HTR), will be conducted through a series of free comprehensive workshops.
Participants will delve into the history and value of therapeutic horticulture, learn effective gardening techniques for seniors, and discover how to use horticulture to promote healing and well-being across diverse age groups.
The training program will be divided into three sessions, combining both in-person and virtual formats.
The first session, scheduled for Sept. 16 at 11 a.m. will introduce the Earthwise Garden, the Garden Buddies program, and therapeutic horticulture.
The second session, taking place online on Sept. 24 from 1 to 2:30 p.m., will focus on the theoretical aspects of therapeutic horticulture and outline the next steps for aspiring mentors. This session will feature insights from an experienced Garden Buddies mentor, who will offer practical advice on developing seasonal activities and adapting gardening tasks for different populations.
The final component of the training will involve leading an activity during a Garden Buddies Meetup session in October. This hands-on experience will allow new mentors to apply their skills in a real-world setting, reinforcing their training and building a connection with program participants.
If you are interested in registering for the Garden Buddies Mentor Training Program, contact Katie at: [email protected].
