My last horticultural therapy class at Ann’s Place to create seasonal decorations was packed with clients. As can happen sometimes, they were a bit surprised when they opened their bags to find a variety of objects that were far from obvious in their use.
“Let me show you what we will be making today,” I start. And with that I show a pine cone turned into a snow covered Christmas tree with shiny decorations. I then show them some ornaments that Juana created using wood rounds. I can see that they are now beginning to understand what to do with everything in the bag except for the buckeye nuts (Aeschulus glabra).
“You may notice that there are holes in the buckeye nuts, “ I start. “That is to put a toothpick through so your snowman has a bit of a backbone (and is easier to glue together). After some initial confusion because of extra nuts I included in the bag, everyone gets the hang of it and makes a wide variety of snowmen-like sculptures. “You can paint them white if you want, but my snowman is made with dirty slushy snow,” I say.
On reflection, my creation appears a bit sad, with its drooping eyes and hillum (attachment scar) appearing downcast. But that appears to be the only sad thing about our session that quickly ends with many clients having a wide variety of new holiday decorations for their dwellings.
