Vocational Programming at GROW HUB

 

What is Vocational Horticulture?

Vocational horticulture encompasses the use of gardening and plant cultivation as a means to teach individuals various skills, including those necessary for vocational success and daily living. This field is particularly impactful when integrated with Horticultural Therapy, a practice that employs plants and gardening activities to improve physical and mental well-being.

According to the American Horticultural Therapy Association (AHTA), Horticultural Therapy leverages the therapeutic and rehabilitative effects of working with plants to enhance the quality of life for individuals. This practice can be particularly beneficial for people with disabilities, providing a dynamic and interactive environment in which they can develop essential skills.

 

Benefits of Horticultural Therapy in Vocational Horticulture:

  1. Skill Development: Horticultural therapy helps individuals develop fine motor skills, cognitive abilities, and social skills. For example, tasks like planting seeds or pruning plants require precision and attention to detail, which can enhance fine motor coordination and cognitive processing.
  2. Emotional Well-being: Engaging with plants and nature has been shown to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. The act of nurturing plants can provide a sense of accomplishment and purpose, boosting self-esteem and emotional resilience.
  3. Social Interaction: Horticultural activities often involve teamwork and collaboration, fostering social interaction and communication skills. This can be particularly valuable for individuals who may struggle with social integration.
  4. Vocational Training: Through structured horticultural programs, individuals with disabilities can learn job-related skills such as time management, responsibility, and specific horticultural techniques. These programs can prepare participants for employment in horticulture-related fields or other industries.
  5. Independence in Daily Living: The routines and responsibilities involved in horticulture can translate to daily living skills. For instance, the discipline of maintaining a garden can mirror the routines needed for personal care and household management.

The AHTA emphasizes that Horticultural Therapy is adaptable to various settings, including schools, rehabilitation centers, and community gardens. This adaptability makes it an inclusive and versatile approach to vocational education and personal development.

By utilizing horticulture as a therapeutic and educational tool, individuals with disabilities can achieve greater independence, improve their quality of life, and gain meaningful vocational skills that can lead to employment opportunities and enhanced social integration.

 

How do we Practice Vocational Horticulture at GROW HUB?

At GROW HUB, our mission is to empower the lives of adults with disabilities in our community through meaningful work with plants. This mission aligns perfectly with the practice of Horticultural Therapy and Vocational Horticulture. Here, we can use the whole nursery to teach individuals skills that can help them achieve employment in our community. We offer volunteer and internship opportunities for community members to come and gain horticultural skills. We also are registered with the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) and can provide services to VR customers.