Twigs : Horticulture Therapy And Jobs Programs

More grows in the garden than the gardener sows.

~ Spanish Proverb

A recent episode of "A Growing Passion" detailed some very interesting and innovative programs that combine agriculture and gardening with helping populations that have specific needs - in this case veterans, the elderly, and people with disabilities. In addition to being inspiring, the programs highlighted the business and health benefits that can be realized from such programs. In general, the show covers agriculture and gardening topics specific to San Diego County. The three segments in this episode, entitled "Growing Dreams and Memories," looked at:

Each of these programs serve as examples of the power of agriculture and gardening to improve our lives, our communities, and our world. Although they are focused on three different populations with specific needs, the principles they are based on and the lessons they teach us apply to any and all of us. There is little to no downside to gardening and agriculture, when it is done employing sustainable practices.

Veteran's Sustainable Agriculture Training (VSAT)

One segment detailed the VSAT Program, designed to train service veterans for career success. The program is offered by Archi's Acres - a local organic farm started and run by Colin and Karen Archipley - and is administered by Extended Learning at California State University San Marcos. The Archipleys were recently honored at a White House event this spring and won awards from both the Sierra Club and The Organic Trade Association. ï»¿The photo below shows them with First Lady Michelle Obama when they helped with planting the White House garden.

During the six-week program, students receive agricultral training (e.g., hydroponics, drip/micro irrigation, environmental control, farm ownership and management, greenhouse production, organic production methods, and soil biology) and basic business training (e.g., putting together a business plan, and selling and marketing a product, résumé building). Students also have the opportunity to meet and network with successful industry leaders. 

Colin and Karen see the program as "an agribusiness incubator whose goal is to help men and women from the military transition into careers in agriculture, or into entrepreneurship in the food or fiber industries." Because the U.S. will need over one million new farmers over the next en years, Colin believes that careers in those industries provide great opportunity for both financial and personal success. He also believes that working in the food system "gives veterans a sense of mission because, like the military, the food system is part of something greater than yourself." Working in the food system enables veterans to say, "I really did something today to make my community a better place.”

In a brief Marketplace radio program segment on veterans and farming, Afghanistan War veteran Sonia Kendrick comments on her discovery of the many benefits of farming - including helping her deal with PTSD - near her hometown of Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Although not part of the VSAT program, she expresses sentiments common to VSAT participants and many other veterans. “It was as if the earth had grounded me,” she says. Kendrick says veterans like her don’t want office jobs...that when you’ve almost lost your life repeatedly, it’s hard to care about office rules. So farming’s perfect. ï»¿“You're not in a cubicle playing bureaucratic rules, (that) I don’t think we enjoy,” she explains.

Having personally worked with veterans and with people suffering from PTSD (veterans and non-veterans) I believe agriculture has particular attributes that can be especially beneficial for some people in those populations.

  • Providing food, especially healthy food grown in a sustainable manner, helps one have a sense of purpose. A common sentiment expressed by returning veterans is that they struggle in the civilian world to have the strong feeling that their life and activities had the strong sense of purpose the military provided them.

  • Agricultural work, like the military, combines physical activity with intellectual challenges. The opportunity to have both is often part of what draws people to the military, and having both is a good release for those with PTSD.

  • Agricultural work also combines a certain degree of solitude and self-sufficiency with community and teamwork. Again, the both are often attractive to people who join the military and are benificial in dealing with PTSD - especially when that combination can be adjusted according to an individual's needs, desires, and abilities.

In recognition that there is a fit between the needs of veterans and of the nation for food system businesses, many local programs have been established. At the federal level, the United States Agriculture Department does not have any specific programs of its own. It is coordinating with and supporting local and regional farming and other agricultural programs for veterans. The USDA is also par of the Veteran Farmer Coalition, which has produced a useful Resource Guide.

Sunshine Care Garden Club

The Sunshine Care Assisted Living Facility believes in the value of intergenerational connections and the healing power of gardening. The facility has many programs to help their residents with memory care - which focuses on activites that help the elderly retain and develop new memories. One of their memory care programs is an Intergenerational Garden Club. ï»¿

The Club uses gardening activites to bring together the elderly with older children and teens. Youth and the elderly are both underutilized resources that can be tapped to help address unmet needs in our community. ï»¿

Through Garden Club activities, the elderly are able to stay meaningfully involved by sharing their talents, wisdom, experience, and the desire to make a difference. The program helps them have longer, healthier lives and avoid a sense of isolation.

The youth benefit from the residents' wisdom and experience, while learning about the natural world. With many children having few connections to older generations, they are also able to connect with caring adults who can help them on the path to adulthood. These connections help to dispel age - related myths and stereotypes, and ultimately strengthen our communities. In our increasingly urbanized and technology oriented world, gardening helps youth learn about and appreciate nature.

St. Madeline Sophie's Center Organic Gardens

St. Madeleine Sophie’s Center Organic Gardens is a certified organic garden that provides training for approximately 40 people with developmental disabilities. The horticulture program at St. Madeleine Sophie’s Center, is rooted in a strong foundation that stems from their values based mission: To empower adults with developmental disabilities to discover, experience, and realize their full potential as members of the greater community.

There is a two acre garden complete with ADA approved meandering pathways, contemplative spaces and opportunities to commune with nature. The gardens include two 1500 square foot shade houses and a 1000 square foot climate controlled greenhouse, a full citrus orchard, organic vegetable and flower gardens, ornamental trees, shrubs, herbs and a worm farm. They specialize in California acclimated succulents, perennials, and trees. In addition, there is always a unique collection of whimsical garden ornamentation available.

In addition, the gardens and the accompaning retail nursery serve as a work training program. Students receive individualized support from managers who are trained in the field of horticulture as well as in working with the developmentally disabled. Students focus on goal attainment, develop physical and mental skills, hone social interaction, build self-esteem, strengthen a sense of community and personal accomplishment. 

Horticulture students have the opportunity to learn propagation methods, plant seeds, nurture growth, and learn customer service. From their work in the gardens, students improve their daily lives and branch out as important contributors to the greater community.

In Summary

Whether you have acres to cultivate or merely herbs in a window, learn how to garden. It will teach you more and provide you benefits that you may never expect and sometimes can not even fathom. And, it helps Mother Earth - always a good thing. 

Farming is a profession of hope.

~ Brian Brett