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Introduction to Therapeutic Horticulture

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Event description

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 SEEDS Communal Garden which is located within Milparinka Disability Services.

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.

*Subject to Government restrictions, components of this course may be delivered either in person or online.

* 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.

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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.



Anne Galbraith has a social sciences background and has studied conservation and land management and visual arts. Anne is currently completing a Master of Social Work. Anne’s experience includes work with the elderly and people with dementia, children and teens in out of home care and people living with disability. Anne is currently working with women and children who have experienced family violence and or homelessness. Anne has recently had the opportunity to design and create a Sensory Garden in a crisis accommodation service where she runs a sensory garden program.





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 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 effect 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

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

Photos/Recordings of the event and attendees

During events, photographs or recordings may be taken and by attending, you consent to be photographed or recorded and having your photos or recordings used for CERES promotional purposes only. Please speak to the event presenter should you wish to be excluded.


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Refund policy

CERES reserves the right to cancel workshops due to insufficient numbers. If we cancel the workshop you will be entitled to a 100% refund, or you may choose to transfer to another date, subject to availability. If you decide to withdraw 7 or more days prior to the workshop date CERES will retain a 10% administration fee. If you decide to withdraw less than 7 days prior to the workshop date CERES will retain 100% of your workshop fee. Should CERES have to cancel the course due to Government changes relating to the COVD-19 response, we will let you know as soon as possible. Affected participants will be sent notification which includes details on how to re-book another date or workshop. While cancellations on our part remain refundable within the specified time period, we do hope you will consider bearing with us in these precarious and trying times, and consider the rescheduled date where possible.