News & Milestones
From the Director’s Desk: Thoughts of a Weed Puller
May 15th, 2020
There is hardly an individual in this country and beyond who has not been impacted significantly by the COVID-19 pandemic. Hopefully, by the time you read this message all of […]
Under the Glass: News from the Greenhouse
May 15th, 2020
I have been thinking a lot about change lately, as are all of us in the face of recent world events. But there have been other major changes in my […]
Human Health & Plants Research: Urban Park Characteristics that Promote Health and Restoration
May 15th, 2020
Recent “shelter in place” and “stay at home” orders have contributed to the increased stress that so many people are feeling these days. Moreover, this stress might be higher for […]
Under the Glass: News from the Greenhouse
Jan 31st, 2020
One of the sensory tools we use in horticultural therapy is smell. I’ve been appreciating this tool a lot recently because one of my favorite fragrant orchids is blooming in […]
Human Health & Plants Research: Green Space and the Health and Well-Being of University Students
Jan 31st, 2020
Abundant research has demonstrated psychological benefits associated with exposure to and immersion in green spaces and natural environments. While the campuses of most colleges and universities possess ample green space […]
From the Director’s Desk: Thoughts of a Weed Puller
Jan 31st, 2020
This is one of the most beautiful times of the year to stroll through the Wilmot Botanical Gardens. A large number of camellias and many of the azaleas are in […]
Under the Glass: News from the Greenhouse
Nov 7th, 2019
Happy (hot) Fall! This has been an extremely extended summer season for us Floridians, and also for our plants. The greenhouse is just starting to cool down and I can […]
From the Director’s Desk: Thoughts of a Weed Puller
Nov 7th, 2019
Volunteers continue to play a major role in the maintenance and enhancement of the Wilmot Botanical Gardens. I am reminded of this fact each fall when classes resume at UF […]
Volunteer Spotlight: Meredith Schoppe
Nov 7th, 2019
Meredith Schoppe originally became interested in volunteering in the Therapeutic Horticulture Program at Wilmot Botanical Gardens during her junior year of studies at the University of Florida. As an undergraduate […]
Human Health & Plants Research: Urban Nature Experiences Lower Physiological Indicators of Stress
Nov 7th, 2019
There is increasing evidence that both an active or passive nature experience (NE) can reduce psychological stress (PS), and provide other psychosocial therapeutic benefits. Yet how best to define and […]
Human Health & Plants Research: Can Gardening Improve Your Cognitive Functions and Memory?
Aug 30th, 2019
The therapeutic benefits of gardening on cognition have been suggested in several studies across a range of populations including the elderly and those displaying cognitive impairments. Given that gardening appears […]
Under the Glass: News from the Greenhouse
Aug 30th, 2019
It’s been a pretty quiet summer at the therapeutic horticulture greenhouse – because of the uncomfortable heat and humidity we take a summer hiatus from therapeutic horticulture activities. Most of […]
From the Director’s Desk: Thoughts of a Weed Puller
Aug 30th, 2019
Excitement is building on the UF campus as we begin the new academic year. Some ongoing as well as new initiatives to enhance the Wilmot Botanical Gardens will also commence […]
Human Health and Plants Research: Might Residential Greenness During Childhood Lower Risk of Psychiatric Disorders?
Jun 4th, 2019
Researchers in Denmark wanted to know if the amount of greenery surrounding residences from the time of birth to age ten would influence the relative risk of the onset of […]
From the Director’s Desk: Thoughts of a Weed Puller
Jun 4th, 2019
The 2018-2019 academic year at UF will have drawn to a close by the time you receive this newsletter. What follows is a brief report describing many of the activities […]
Under the Glass: News from the Greenhouse
Jun 4th, 2019
Last week our therapeutic horticulture sessions came to an end for the summer. Although we miss our weekly sessions with each group, the greenhouse is too hot in the summer […]
Therapeutic Horticulture Program for Veterans Going Strong After Seven Years
Jun 4th, 2019
In 2011, the Wilmot Botanical Gardens (WBG) redeveloped its mission to include patient care, research and education. Shortly thereafter, as part of this expanded initiative, the therapeutic horticulture (TH) program […]
Construction of Chapman Healing Garden Complete
Oct 11th, 2016
The Chapman Healing Garden will provide another venue for patients and the public to experience the therapeutic benefits of greenspaces and will expand Wilmot Gardens’ diverse garden settings. Specifically, the […]
2nd Annual Fall Plant Sale to be held Dec. 3 & 4
Oct 11th, 2016
The second annual Fall Plant Sale at Wilmot Gardens is the perfect place to get inspired and pick up some new plants for your home garden. This year’s sale will […]
From the Director’s Desk: Thoughts of a Weed Puller
Oct 10th, 2016
It is my pleasure to introduce the first quarterly newsletter from Wilmot Gardens. The purpose of the newsletter is to keep you better informed about ongoing activities, new projects and […]
Wilmot Gardens breaks ground on the Chapman Healing Garden
Sep 27th, 2016
Learn more recent enhancements to the gardens.
2nd Annual Fall Plant Sale to be held Dec. 3 & 4
Sep 27th, 2016
The second annual Fall Plant Sale at Wilmot Gardens is the perfect place to get inspired and pick up some new plants for your home garden. This year’s sale will […]
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES: Greenhouse at Wilmot Gardens
Sep 7th, 2016
The Therapeutic Horticulture Program at Wilmot Gardens is seeking volunteers to assist with our fall programming. Although no experience is necessary to volunteer, specialized training will be provided. Volunteers will […]
NOW ENROLLING: Therapeutic Horticulture Program
Sep 7th, 2016
The Therapeutic Horticulture Program at Wilmot Gardens is now enrolling participants and caregivers for fall programming. No experience is necessary to participate in the free indoor gardening program. Participants will […]
Wilmot Gardens Breaks Ground on Healing Garden
Jun 12th, 2016
Wilmot Gardens has begun construction on the Chapman Healing Garden, on the south side of the conference center, thanks to a generous donation from the Dr. Jules B. Chapman and […]