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National Horticultural Therapy Week

March 18th - 25th, 2017

Each year, AHTA coordinates the efforts of regional networking groups, affiliated HT programs, and AHTA members to collaborate in celebrating the profession on a national and local level. By hosting a variety of special events or activities, we're able to collectively elevate recognition and appreciation for our programs and our profession.

Here are some previous activities that were planned by AHTA members:

Susan Morgan, of The Horticultural Link, LLC

  • gave a presentation to the community of Coppell, Texas promoting horticulture as a therapeutic activity and on "purposeful plants."
  • held a garden dedication ceremony with clients, staff and family members at Arden Courts of Richardson, a memory care community.
  •  blogged every day on a variety of topics in honor of Horticultural Therapy Week and featured guests posts by Leslie Fleming, HTR. Leslie's Guided Imagery post was republished by the Michigan Horticultural Therapy Association.

Perkins School for the Blind Celebrated National Horticultural Therapy Week

  • showcased the educational and therapeutic power of plants at a spring-themed open house for students
  • students transplanted small flowers into pots and planted cat grass seed while older students created colorful greeting cards to be sent to local assisted living facilities
  • visitors enjoyed refreshments, including lavender lemonade and vegetable dip made with herbs harvested from the student garden

Lee Shahay, of the Francis E. Parker Home, Highland Park, NJ

  • working with elders in the assisted living home, Lee discussed Snow Drops, the earliest bloom of the Spring Season, in honor of National Horticultural Therapy Week. 
  • started seeds for a variety of early vegetables including lettuce, Swiss Chard and other leafy greens.

Laura DePrado, HTR,  MaryAnne McMillan, HTR,  and Jean D'Amore, HTR

  • spread the word at the New Jersey Statehouse with a display featuring information about AHTA and horticultural therapy. New Jersey has designated the third week of March as Horticultural Therapy Week

University of Tennessee

  • UT's Education Director worked with several groups and lead programming at Clarity Pointe Knoxville as well as worked with high school students from Tennessee School for the Deaf

Maureen Regan

  • celebrated National Horticultural Therapy Week with her high schoolers repotting seedlings

By hosting a variety of special events or activities, we're able to collectively elevate recognition and appreciation for our programs and our profession. This spring, set aside time to refocus, refresh, and reconnect with your wonderful horticultural therapy colleagues and worthy professional ideals. Take a moment to share with your colleagues all that you are doing --as an individual and as a professional-- to encourage others to help expand and elevate horticultural therapy as a profession. Let us know how you celebrated National Horticultural Therapy Week by emailing info@ahta.org.