I’m not sure when I got the idea about writing a book about my horticultural therapy experiences, but it was probably around the time Charlotte was born. I was pretty much retired and Juana and I were taking care of Charlotte during the day and my horticultural therapy program was starting at Ann’s Place. Prior to her birth, I had worked for three years at Green Chimneys in Brewster, NY, as a volunteer therapist. I had also started a blog, GroHappy, about my experiences.
So I was spending a lot of time in the garden with Charlotte and others. And this time was amazing as I discovered how working with plants and people has such a profound healing effect. And it made them (especially Charlotte) very happy. It also forced me to create curriculums to work with clients. One of their favorites, which I can’t do now because of COVID, is making tussie-mussies. These simple collection of flowers were used in Victorian times to send messages of love and friendship.
Charlotte, however, just enjoyed playing in the soil and helping us pot up. Ironically, the joy she had doing that was exactly the same experienced by seniors, particularly those suffering from dementia. I was learning so much about different people having different challenges and how plants could effect a wonderful change.After a while I thought I had the makings of a book. If you get to read, A Therapist’s Garden, perhaps you will let me know. You can pre-order the book now by clicking the Read Me button under A Therapist’s Garden on my home page. Thank you.
