Therapeutic Horticulture Program

The Greenhouse at Wilmot 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, contact Leah Diehl, Director of Therapeutic Horticulture, at elizabeth.diehl@medicine.ufl.edu or (352) 294-5003. Or, you can complete this inquiry form.

Spring 2018 Greenhouse Program Schedule

Enrollment is open throughout the semester for most groups and attendance at all sessions is not required to participate.  Please inquire about joining programs at any time.

 

Tuesday Wednesday   Thursday Friday 
MHICM Veterans Group
11 AM – 12 PM
 Start: Jan. 30, 2018
End: May 8, 2018
 *ASD Gardening Group
9:30 AM – 10:15 AM
Start: Jan. 24, 2018
End: May 11, 2018
 *ASD Job Skills Group
12:30 PM – 1:30 PM
Start: Jan. 25, 2018
End: May 10, 2018
 *ASD Gardening Group
9:30 AM – 10:15 AM
Start: Jan. 24, 2018
End: May 11, 2018 
 Cancer Group
1 PM – 2 PM
Start: Jan. 23, 2018
End: May 8, 2018
 TH Alumni Group
11 AM – 12 PM
Start: Jan. 24, 2018
End: May 9, 2018
FRC Group
3:15 PM – 4:15 PM
Start: Jan. 25, 2018
End: May 10, 2018
 
*To see full ASD Program schedule, click here.

 

Program Affiliations & Sponsors

Many of the therapeutic horticulture programs are affiliated with or funded by local organizations, national foundations and/or private donors.

  • Cancer Group – Sponsored by Climb for Cancer Foundation (www.cfc-foundation.org)
  • Horticulture and Job Skills Training Group for people with Autism Spectrum and Related Disorders – Sponsored in part by the Walmart Foundation and the B.J. and Eve Wilder Family Foundation, Inc.
  • Florida Recovery Center Group – Affiliated with the UF Health Florida Recovery Center  (https://floridarecoverycenter.ufhealth.org)
  • Therapeutic Horticulture Alumni Group – Sponsored by the UF Medical Guild Grant
  • MHICM Veterans Group (Veterans Affairs) – Sponsored by the B.J. and Eve Wilder Family Foundation, Inc. and affiliated with the Veterans Affairs Mental Health Intensive Case Management program

 

Therapeutic Horticulture Programming Inquiry

Complete the form below if you are interested in enrolling in a therapeutic horticulture program or scheduling a private session.