Several years ago I ran a gardening programme for youths at risk in a local secondary school. We didn’t use the term “therapeutic horticulture” then, but the teacher who engaged me and I were clear that the goal of the programme wasn’t centered around the food we would grow, but the youths. The intention was for the students to feel like they could contribute to the community by producing vegetables that would be donated to charity. We certainly grew a productive garden, but more importantly, we saw growth in the youths. 💚
I recall one student with anger management issues. He had punched a hole in the classroom wall, and was showing aggression towards his teachers and peers. The first time we met, he sat right at the back of the classroom, refusing to engage. The teacher told me not to expect too much from him. Curiously, he became my best student in gardening club. He was always the first to arrive at the garden and he would take extra care to water around the seedlings, not over them. The gentlest gardener in the club.
Students who played truant made sure to attend school on Mondays so they could come to gardening club. They joked that gardening club should be run during class hours. That way they would show up every day.
They fooled around with the garden tools but made sure no plants were harmed. They didn’t care much about eating vegetables but they were so proud of the produce they harvested and the herbal teas they brewed. Self-doubt to self-efficacy.
Youths who used to pick fights or shut everyone out became friends who laughed, joked, and worked together.
Those were the KPIs that truly mattered.
This is the magic of gardening and holding space. Just plain ol’ hands in the dirt and treating one another with respect. A safe space for growing, nurturing, and enjoying the fruits of our labour.
Today, I no longer grow only food plants because our relationship with nature and plants is more than just eating them. But the intention of connecting people with nature remains the same, if not stronger. Learning new ways to interact with nature every day while upholding the permaculture ethics of earth care, people care, and fair share. I invite you to join me.
[This is a repost of a By Wind and Wave’s Instagram post from 2024]