2026 Annual Lecture: Therapeutic Horticulture and the Benefits of Gardening

Therapeutic Horticulture and the Benefits of Gardening

As any gardener or garden-lover knows, a walk through a beautiful, natural space can make you feel refreshed and relaxed or even energized and inquisitive, and when gardeners are actively growing, the benefits can be even richer.

Registered Horticultural Therapist Kathryn Grimes’s MA in Teaching with a concentration in special education and over 2 decades of experience in creating and leading educational and therapeutic programs for all ages and abilities has allowed her to work with organizations such as community gardens, city parks, early learning environments, and zoos & public gardens. She is a writer, workshop presenter, curriculum developer, and garden consultant & designer who volunteers as an Advisory Committee member of Florida Horticulture for Health Network.

On October 8, she will explore the historic roots and current research on growing engagements that heal, enable, nourish, educate, rehabilitate, and aid well-being. Free resources and program examples from the American Horticultural Therapy Association (AHTA), the Florida Horticulture for Health Network (FLHHN), and collaborative organizations are provided to pave a pathway for educators, health practitioners and allies, social workers, vocational rehabilitators, garden designers, public gardens, and the home gardener to tap into the benefits for themselves and their participants.

A reception will begin at 6:30 pm followed by the presentation at 7:00 pm. $15 per person. Free admission for estate members. Reservations are appreciated. For more info, please call (706) 882-3242 or email [email protected].

The reception will feature a special tea tasting from The Steeping Shai!