For this issue, I have asked Sam Kaplan, one of our horticultural therapy interns and volunteer extraordinaire, to share his experiences at the Garden. Sam has given so much to the therapeutic horticulture program – not just his time, commitment, and energy, but also his extensive plant knowledge and positive, optimistic attitude. He is an essential member of our team.
Leah
Plants and nature have the restorative power to positively impact human health and quality of life. This is something I’ve been able to truly experience throughout my time with Wilmot. I was introduced to Wilmot’s Therapeutic Horticulture Program and their student wellness group my first year at the University of Florida. The new stage of life I found myself in introduced an abundance of change that was challenging to navigate. The support the student wellness group provided made this change manageable and opened new windows of opportunity. Throughout attending weekly sessions at the Wilmot Greenhouse, I noticed that my ability to handle the transitions and stressors of being a university student had improved. The blend of wellness strategies with horticulture activities provided meaningful support and created a balanced experience. Not only did I gain new practices and perspectives for managing my mental health and academic load but also encountered a greater sense of fulfillment and clarity. After the program had ended, I wanted to continue working in this environment outside of being a program participant. Going through UF’s Certificate in Horticultural Therapy and three years of greenhouse volunteering later, and I’ve gotten to thoroughly experience how the healing power of nature can have a profound effect on human lives.
This past semester I had the opportunity to serve as a horticultural therapy intern with the therapeutic horticulture program. This internship concluded my Certificate in Horticultural Therapy and provided a more in-depth perspective on how the program operates. Working with both the student wellness and addiction recovery groups, I got to engage with participants and learn with them throughout the semester. Noticing more interaction among participants, hearing anecdotes of shared experiences, or even seeing a greenhouse full of smiles, I witnessed the positive impact this program has. Being able to share and ‘propagate’ this form of therapy is a rewarding experience, as it provides people with tools to better navigate life and its challenges.
Although my internship with Wilmot has concluded, I have continued to work in the greenhouse as a volunteer. My time at the University of Florida will continue as I pursue a master’s degree in landscape architecture. Throughout this journey, I plan to keep the Wilmot greenhouse as part of my weekly routine. I can’t picture a future where I don’t work with plants or spend time with nature, and I’m grateful I get to live this reality now.
Sam Kaplan
UF Student & Former Wilmot Therapeutic Horticulture Intern