Growing Together : Cultivating Confidence, Connection, and Joy Through Nature

Have you heard of therapeutic horticulture?

It may sound like a big or complicated term, but it is actually pretty simple. Therapeutic horticulture uses gardening and nature activities to help improve health, confidence, emotional well-being, and social connection. Best of all,it is for everyone.

At GiGi’s Playhouse, we are excited to offer these benefits through Growing Together, a fun and inclusive 12-week program for people ages 18 and older.

Therapeutic horticulture is about more than just growing plants. Studies show that spending time in nature can help reduce stress, improve mood, build confidence, and encourage communication and teamwork. Simple activities like planting seeds, watering herbs, picking vegetables, arranging flowers, or taking a walk outside can help people feel calm, focused, and connected.

Unlike a regular gardening class, therapeutic horticulture focuses on the experience, not on being perfect. Participants do not need any gardening skills or experience to join. The goal is not to grow the “perfect” plant, but to help people learn, connect, and grow through nature-based activities.

That is what Growing Together is all about.

During the 12-week program, participants attend weekly 90-minute sessions in a small-group setting. Activities include planting and caring for herbs and vegetables, sensory gardening, nature exploration, floral design, nature art journaling, simple plant-based cooking activities, and many more hands-on projects.

Each session follows a simple and supportive structure to help participants feel comfortable and confident. Small group sizes, visual supports, and a relaxed pace make it easier for everyone to participate in ways that work best for them.

One of the best parts of therapeutic horticulture is that people connect with it in different ways. Some participants enjoy sensory experiences like touching soft plants, smelling fresh herbs, or listening to grasses move in the wind. Others enjoy learning gardening skills, being creative, or working together with friends.

This program is more than just growing plants. It helps build friendships, confidence, and a sense of belonging; as a group, we are truly Growing Together. 

Participants may become more confident, independent, calm, and comfortable communicating with others. They also learn useful gardening, food, and creative skills that can help in everyday life.

Volunteers and donors are an important part of making this program possible. Volunteers help create a welcoming and supportive environment, while donors can help provide the supplies needed for the program.

At its heart, therapeutic horticulture shows us that growth happens in many ways. Sometimes it looks like a flower blooming. Sometimes it looks like someone gaining confidence, making a new friend, or trying something new for the first time.Through the Growing Together program, we are helping those moments grow, one seed at a time.

Our next session starts July 6th, 2026. Come join us! Let’s grow together!

Written by Courtney Ramsey