Introduction to Therapeutic Horticulture

** this course is yet to commence. Dates will be advised as soon as we have some certainty around lockdown timing. Enrolments are thus still open**

This course is designed to introduce participants to the growing field of Horticultural Therapy in which gardens and garden based activities are designed to support the physical, mental and social health of individuals.  Studies show that gardening is a valuable way to improve and maintain physical and mental health, bring communities together and aid rehabilitation.  Gardens and garden based activities are increasingly being used in settings and services such as hospitals, schools, Aged Care, Disability, Migrant settlement, Youth and Justice, and Mental Health.

The course will explore a range of aspects of both garden and activity design such as understanding client needs, rehabilitation, community gardens, working with all senses, catering for mobility issues and includes a visit to a community garden. 

The course will also provide an opportunity for participants to explore training, volunteering and employment pathways in allied fields such as Horticulture, Permaculture, Leisure and Health, Community Services.

* This is an ACFE Approved Pre-accredited Course where the cost is subsidised for eligible participants.

ACFE Eligible participants are deemed eligible through an interview process with our career pathways officer. The costs for these participants are $65 – ACFE Information and Eligibility

Contact Karen Mengell on 9389 0127 or karen.mengell@ceres.org.au for more information and to book an interview.

Trainers

Justin Calverley is a horticulturalist and permaculturist with over 20 years experience and will be the lead trainer for the Urban Farmer course. He has extensive knowledge and experience in permaculture, garden design, organic gardening and native bushfood plants. He specialises in edible gardens and is an expert in fruit tree cultivation and pruning. For over 10 years Justin has taught workshops at CERES in sustainable gardening and permaculture. Justin was a regular broadcaster on 3RRR’s ‘Dirty Deeds” and “Breakfasters”, is a presenter on Ch 31’s “ The Garden Tap” and author of The Urban Farmer.

Jo Townsend completed the CERES Complete Urban Farmer course in 2017, following which connected with trainer Justin Calverley, to combine their areas of expertise and co-write and facilitate the Introduction to Horticulture Therapy. Jo comes with a foundation in adult education and training following which she has undertaken a path specialising in the area of creative and nature therapy, with previous studies in art therapy. This year Jo has begun a Masters in Therapeutic Art Practice and is also undertaking the CERES Environmental Education course. Jo is passionate about the power of this work and her role in facilitating a journey of healing and empowerment through connection to nature, creativity and self. She is currently involved with running a local Community Garden as well as various programs and volunteer work, with a variety of organisations including schools, kinders, and disability services.

What to bring

• Comfortable enclosed shoes/boots
• Gardening gloves
• Appropriate weather gear eg sunhat
• Pen and paper
• Lunch
• Enthusiasm to learn and get your hands dirty’

What to wear

Casual (Warning: This might get messy)

Course length

  8 sessions > 10am – 3pm

Sessions:

Introduction to Therapeutic Horticulture

•       What is Therapeutic Horticulture and differences to Horticultural Therapy.
•       Applications and benefits of Therapeutic Horticulture & nature-based activities.
•       Connecting with nature through sensory processes & mindfulness.

Understanding Client Needs & Supporting Diversity

•        Understanding Client’s needs & abilities.
•        What diversity means and how to support it in this context.
•        Potential challenging behaviours & engagement opportunities in the garden.

Community Gardens

•        Different Community Garden models.
•        Establishing and identifying key elements in Community Gardens.
•        Site visit to SEEDS Communal Garden.

Writing and Facilitating Therapeutic Horticulture Programs

•        The planning process; values, key objectives and elements of a program.
•        Planning activities; practicalities, preparation, adjustments, feedback & evaluation.
•        Facilitator framework and qualities.

Sessions involve class discussion and group work activities

Design Fundamentals

•   Creating a client brief
•   Site analysis
•   Design features for consideration

At end of the session, we do a mud map specific to varying client needs using all the theory covered earlier in the day

Sensory Gardens

•   Exploring senses
•   Sensory walk
•   Understanding each of our senses and how they can affect mood

We re-address our mud maps and focus on appropriate alterations to highlight the gardens sensory experiences.

Kitchen Gardens

•    Benefits of growing food
•    How and where to grow edible plants
•        Practical applications for varied client groups

The bulk of the day conducting practical exercises of building and planting gardens as well as plant propagation.

Pathways

•        Industry Guest speaker
•        Exploring industry entry pathways including further learning and volunteering
•        Group discussion of where to from here and map individuals possible pathways.

** A certificate will be issued upon completion of at least 75% of the course