With more than 40 years of programming experience, Horticultural Therapy Direct Services is uniquely prepared to plan and deliver seasonal therapeutic horticulture sessions at our site or yours.
In our experience, using therapeutic horticulture with other interventions produces significant results when the goal is to actively engage clients in improving their health. Research has demonstrated that when attention is directed toward nature, predictable reduction of stress results. Our therapists specialize in actively engaging clients of all levels of ability with gardening and other natural elements. Our typical contracts are detailed below; however, we can also customize a contract to suit your specific needs. Come garden with us!
At Your Facility
Year-round, one of our trained horticultural therapists will come to your site with all supplies needed to conduct a session or create a container garden. We travel throughout the Chicago area to schools with students who have special needs, to residential or day-care facilities, and more. Contracts are usually provided per season, but individual arrangements will be considered.
Spring Contract
Before the weather allows for outdoor gardening, these sessions satisfy the need for nature we all share. Eight weekly sessions for up to 15 participants include fresh flower arrangements, use of dried natural materials in art projects, starting seed for transplant later, and more. Use of a four-shelf light cart is included, if needed.
Cost per contract: $2,500
Summer Contract
Beginning after the danger of frost, our horticultural therapy staff will help you grow a garden in large, accessible containers. We will deliver the containers and all soil, plants, and tools. In eight sessions scheduled over 16 weeks, a therapist will travel to your site to train you and your clients in garden maintenance. It will be your responsibility to ensure the health of the garden through proper watering and maintenance. There will be sessions that use the products of the garden to create beautiful arrangements and edible treats.
Cost per contract: $3,500
Fall Contract
As days shorten and we spend more time indoors, these eight weekly sessions focus on harvest, the abundance of nature, and creating lasting beauty indoors. Designed to accommodate up to 15 participants, each session will be led by a horticultural therapist at your facility and will include all supplies needed.
Cost per contract: $2,500
At the Buehler Enabling Garden
Delight your group with fun, educational plant-based activities designed to reduce stress and stimulate the senses. Designed to be universally accessible as well as therapeutic, the Enabling Garden features raised bed plantings bursting with color, texture, and scents. Amenities include large accessible bathrooms, wheelchair accessible tables, and close proximity to parking and the rest of the garden.
During the growing season (mid-May through mid-October), Horticultural Therapists facilitate up to 15 participants in our outdoor classroom, using this fully accessible garden.
Life Enrichment Groups
Conducted in the outdoor classroom, sensory plant-based, one-hour programs are designed to accommodate and engage individuals with special needs of all ages. Participants will tour the Enabling Garden and interact with the garden’s space by smelling, touching, listening, and looking. Each participant will pot-up a sensory dish garden to bring home.
Wednesday – Friday, mid-May through mid-October
$140; includes parking and all supplies
Maximum number of participants: 15.
In addition, proper ratio of staff to participants is required.
Email Alicia Green for availability and details at Click here to show mail address.