By JOLENE OGLE
NOOSA Community Care swung open the garden gate for the first horticultural therapy open day, last Wednesday.
The open day was part of the horticultural therapy program’s first birthday celebrations, with the plant stall taking the spotlight.
Each plant was sown and grown by the group before being offered up for sale.
Horticultural therapist and program co-ordinator Cath Manuel said the program was a great success, with many clients taking home the skills learnt at the centre.
The open day was also a chance for people to enrol and Cath said there were still vacancies for the 2015 program.
The horticultural therapy program is wheelchair friendly and can benefit people recovering from stroke and heart disease, early stage dementia, physical and intellectual disabilities as well as people with partial sight.
Cath delivers the program along with a band of volunteers and with the support of Noosa Community Care.
Participants enjoy various activities including seed sowing and propagating, therapeutic planting and harvesting edible plants.
“Horticultural therapy is a process of using plants and garden-related activities to promote well-being of people’s minds, body and spirit,” Cath said.
The program has physical, social, psychological and cognitive benefits. It can help reduce anxiety and stress, improve emotional well-being, stimulate the senses, improve concentration and boost social interaction.
Anyone who would like to enrol in the program can contact Jan on 5329 6175. For more information on horticultural therapy, visit www.sowingserenity.com.au.
