Gardens - and Gardeners - that Heal

From today’s edition of the Winston-Salem Journal comes a story that should make almost everyone smile.

David Bare, the garden columnist for the Journal, spotlights the horticultural therapy program at the Centers for Exceptional Children in Winston-Salem.  The program is active on two campuses in Winston-Salem that serve children with special needs.  JoAnn Yates and Jennifer Manning, horticultural therapists, direct the programs.  The Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools and the United Way provide funding; many other corporate and nonprofit organizations provide additional support.

“With nature as a co-teacher the horticultural therapist uses hands-on activities to stimulate and nurture sensory, motor, cognitive and communication skills,” says Ms. Yates.  These programs incorporate the activities of teachers and physical, occupational and speech therapist.

In the horticultural therapy program, these professionals can breathe new life into time-honored but sometimes not-so-interesting educational techniques.  In the gardens, the children participate in activities that are engaging on many levels and achieve the same goals.

The gardens are accessible to children who use wheelchairs and other adaptive devices.  With flowers, fruits, rocks, dirt and worms, it seems like there is something in the gardens for everyone! 

Although the focus is on the children, the gardens also provide valuable habitat for birds, butterflies and other creatures.  The children learn about being good stewards of the Earth.

Exciting work like this is happening in many places.  Thanks to David Bare and the Winston-Salem Journal for making us aware of what is happening here in the Triad!

Here is a link to Mr. Bare's column.