Download Study Tour Application (PDF)
Since 1977, the Chicago Botanic Garden's Horticultural Therapy Services program has assisted hundreds of health and human service agencies in establishing and sustaining horticultural therapy programs. These programs are designed to advance individual and group treatment plans or to engage people with disabilities and older adults in safe, comfortable gardening experiences adapted to varied abilities and interests. We were a public-garden pioneer in developing and demonstrating enabling garden structures and techniques. We are committed to spreading the word about enabling gardens; what makes them enabling, who can use them, and how they can improve the quality of life of older adults and people with disabilities.
Through our study tour, experienced staff members provide participants with abundant face-to-face meeting time, customized to answer all of your questions. You will also receive a packet of valuable resources including samples of activity plans, marketing pieces, and supply resources.
Policies and Procedures
Availability
The study tour requires completion of an application and a brief telephone interview two months prior to your visit. The study tour is offered from May to October.
Session Length
The study tour can be scheduled for a minimum of one eight-hour day or a maximum of two eight-hour days. Typically, daily hours will be 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., but expect possible variations due to program schedule demands.
Fees
The cost of the study is $150 per person per day. The fee must be paid in advance or on the day of the tour. Participants are responsible for the cost of lodging, transportation to and from the Garden, and meals.
Confidentiality Restrictions
In compliance with consumer rights and horticultural therapy code of ethics, study tour participants will be restricted from taking photographs, videos, or audiotapes of people who are being served in horticultural therapy sessions. Photographs of garden sites and volunteers are allowed.
Dress Code
Participants must be prepared to participate in activities. This requires wearing clean, casual clothes, and close-toed shoes. No sandals are allowed. The participants must wear a Garden-issued nametag.
Lodging/Transportation/Meals
Individuals are solely responsible for arranging lodging, transportation, and meals while participating in the program. The Garden does have a café that offers a variety of food, including breakfast items, soups, sandwiches, and hot dishes.