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Therapeutic Horticulture Program
 
What Do We Do?
The Therapeutic Horticulture Program provides fun, relaxed, and exciting hands on learning experiences. These experiences are centered on plants and their use in our daily lives, from gardening for fun and relaxation, to cooking skills from around the world and straight from our garden. Arts and crafts projects using natural materials add an opportunity for individual expression and diversity. These projects also lend a unique perspective on how plants are used in our daily lives. Many of the programs horticultural activities also explore the natural environment, our understanding of the way it works, and our impact on the natural world around us.
 
Where Do We Do It?
Glade Run Gardens is located on the main campus of Glade Run Lutheran Services in scenic historic Zelienople, PA. A state of the art, handicapped accessible greenhouse is the center for most activities that branch out into our surrounding theme gardens and specialty services building. A large screened in garden gazebo will be an addition in the near future to the garden area allowing for more programming to take place directly in the heart of the gardens. Beautiful horse pastures and old growth oak trees surround the entire horticultural programming area. Air conditioning, water fountains, bathrooms, telephones, and a kitchen are located in the neighboring Specialty Service building where cooking activities take place. Several miles of hiking trails, stream ecosystem, and woodland areas are accessible directly from the garden area.
 
Who Do We Serve?
The program provides structured activities to a variety of groups and individuals. The program adapts quite easily from working with able-bodied groups of children and adults from schools and community groups to individuals and groups of individuals with special needs. Anyone interested in enjoying the benefits of horticultural activities is invited to contact the program to design a flexible horticulture program experience.
 
Why Do We Provide These Services?
The Horticulture Program provides purposeful, constructive activity that involves both the mind and body. Caring for plants and learning various cooking and crafts skills improves the physical and mental health of all participants. Learning about and caring for our environment not only improves the self-esteem and knowledge of participating individuals, it improves the world for all of us. All participants of Glade Run Gardens learn skills that they can be proud of and use for the rest of their lives in recreational, vocational, and life long activities.
 
For those with special needs, gardening and associated activities are proven to relieve stress and anxiety. The calming atmosphere of the greenhouse, gardens, or nature hikes also provides participants with an appreciation for their environment and lessens depression and frustration.
 Horticultural therapy brings about a number of changes in our participants with special needs, including an increase in attention spans and the ability to solve problems. Social interactions are a focus for groups working through these challenges. Giving a person seeds, soil, and plants to care for enhances his or her ability to assume responsibility and increases his or her sense of self worth. The Program helps children to understand the need to nurture.
 
When Are We Available?
The Horticulture Program is open year round, with the busiest season occurring between June and September. October through May, horticulture activities are more easily accessible and are located in environmentally appropriate locations.
 
How Can You Get Involved?
A variety of opportunities for groups and individuals are available. Volunteer opportunities also exist for individual to assist with groups or garden maintenance. Volunteer groups may also assist with special events. Call today to schedule your personalized Glade Run Garden Adventure!