The Greenhouse at Wilmot Botanical Gardens is dedicated to therapeutic horticulture programming for groups with special needs. The program is based on the belief that an active connection with plants and nature can be a restorative experience and have a profound effect on quality of life. Within a greenhouse and garden environment the program seeks to decrease stress and mental fatigue, boost self-esteem and self-efficacy, and provide community, creativity, and optimism. Program participation is also extended to caregivers in many groups.
If you are interested in attending a program or would like more information, email WilmotInfo@ad.ufl.edu or complete the inquiry form below.
Spring 2026 Session Groups and Times
Description of Current Programming Groups:
UF Student Therapeutic Horticulture Program
This program serves UF Students struggling with stress, anxiety, loneliness and other mental and emotional hardships. We partner with the UF Counseling & Wellness Center to teach students mental wellness strategies, and each week, students gain horticulture skills and grow an active connection to plants and nature. Our programming is part of a larger research study on the effects of therapeutic horticulture programming on student well-being and academic resilience. You can read our recent publication here.
Alumni Group
This group is available to all past participants of our therapeutic horticulture programming.
Florida Recovery Center
This program serves individuals in the Florida Recovery Center.
Vista/UF Psychiatric Hospital Program
This program is conducted on-site at the UF Psychiatric Hospital and serves all ages of patients.
Life Transition Skills (LTS)
This program serves adults with developmental disabilities.
Prior Groups Served:
Prior groups served in the therapeutic horticulture program have included those struggling with:
- Cancer
- End-stage kidney disease
- Gynecologic cancer
- Parkinson’s Disease and their care partners
- Chronic low back pain
- Stroke-associated paralysis,
as well as veterans with spinal cord injuries, veterans with bipolar disorder, woman veterans, adults with autism, and psychiatric patients receiving electro-convulsive therapy (ECT).
Program Affiliations & Sponsors
Program Affiliations & Sponsors
Many of the therapeutic horticulture programs are affiliated with or funded by local organizations, national foundations and/or private donors.
- Florida Recovery Center Group (FRC) – Affiliated with the UF Health Florida Recovery Center
- UF Student Therapeutic Horticulture sessions – Affiliated with the UF Counseling and Wellness Center Sponsored by – UF President’s Strategic Funding Initiative and Bonnie Plants
- Vista / UF Psychiatric Hospital – Sponsored by UF Health Psychiatric Hospital
Therapeutic Horticulture Programming Inquiry
Complete the form below if you are interested in enrolling in a therapeutic horticulture program or scheduling a private session.
If you are interested in information on the HT Undergraduate Certificate Program, email CHTInfo@ifas.ufl.edu