Sourcebook for Intergenerational Therapeutic Horticulture

Intergenerational gardening programmes bring the generations together. This book presents a tested, hands-on, easy-to-use activity plan that benefits the development of relationships between adults over 70 and school-age children. It shows how to limit frustration for both groups, how to plan activities that are functional and non-contrived, and how to assure that the interaction between elders and children is rewarding and pleasant for both. The activities rely on inexpensive, readily available tools and resources available throughout the growing season. While other books have discussed designing a Sensory Garden for people with disabilities, "The Sourcebook for Intergenerational Therapeutic Horticulture" applies the Sensory Garden design to a specific population, with a focus on the human senses that are stimulated by the garden. This unique sourcebook shows you, step-by-step, how a Sensory Garden can come alive in a structured therapeutic horticulture program. It shows how to create a Sensory Garden that will stimulate young and old gardeners alike. It outlines a six-week program curriculum that has been used and developed over ten years to use gardening as a program to bring generations together. It teaches therapeutic techniques that benefit elders by promoting self-esteem, creating feelings of pride, competence and satisfaction - both from creating a garden and through passing on their knowledge and wisdom to the younger generation, inspiring both to long-term and short-term memory skills, increasing physical stimulation and providing the comfort of familiar plants and the aromas, which can trigger memories of people, places and vocations. "The Sourcebook for Intergenerational Therapeutic Horticulture" is an essential resource for therapeutic recreation specialists, occupational therapists, therapeutic horticulture professionals, activity coordinators, master gardeners, and anyone working in an environment where elders and children come together.