May 2007

by John Cannizzo

In the past, agencies that provided housing for disabled individuals sometimes enjoyed a reserve of funds to spend on programming. Since 9/11, that has changed.

This lack of developmental programming is deeply felt by residents with multiple mental and physical limitations that restrict them to the building. They are deeply affected by their home environment. The best housing can feel institutional.

Because of this, Horticultural Society of New York (HSNY) has partnered with residents, staff and community to create therapeutic gardens.

HSNY's internship program acts as the extension service instructing residents and staff. Interns assist residents in the garden design, development and installation. There are two purposes: altering the environment to promote health and well being, and bringing developmental activities -- caring for and learning about plants -- into the lives of residents.

HSNY interns are working on four projects like this at housing for individuals with mental illness, families with HIV, and senior citizens with low income.

We engage the community. In one case, Ikea will help develop the project. The garden must have the support of all levels of residents and clinical and administrative staff. Gardens are welcome to the kitchen managers that value vegetables.

The gardens may be rooftop or in-ground. Residents' design input maximizes aesthetic pleasure while focusing on rooftop and gardening access for physically limited individuals. Staff schedule residents to plant and care for the gardens. HSNY's responsibility is educating residents and staff in gardening.

The second part -- the gardening group -- begins with the planning stages. The group of resident gardeners meets weekly. This activity enhances their engagement in the moment and their commitment to participation. Working with plants promotes motor functioning for physically disabled. Residents take plants to their rooms, care for them, and watch them grow.

Some residents have been likened to nursing home patients “waiting to die." Studies show that residents that learn to care for plants live longer then those given plants taken care of by others.

Creating gardens puts many of social work's ethics and values into action. Gardens are relatively low-cost and benefit both residents and staff. Plants require little maintenance, but empower residents to care for their environment while learning a skill. Gardening encourages residents with poor social skills and health to engage others in this communal space. They soon take ownership of the garden.

* All photos by John Cannizzo