October Friends First Friday Horticultural Therapy at Public Gardens

$12 general admission | $10 for members

Register Online

Visitors to public gardens often report feeling more relaxed and less stressed after their visit. These feelings are consistent with the physiological and psychological impact of plants on people. Horticultural activities, such as potting, watering and sowing seeds, can also be used as part of recovery from injury or illness or for restoring mental health.

With increasing emphasis on health, well-being and social connection, interest in the therapeutic applications of horticulture has also risen. Public gardens are logical places to offer therapeutic horticulture programming and services, much like the State Botanical Garden’s Meet Me at the Garden program for persons with dementia and their care partners.

Join us to learn from Dr. Sheri Dorn, an Assistant Professor of Sociohorticulture and Horticultural Therapy jointly appointed with UGA’s Department of Horticulture and the State Botanical Garden. Dorn will share the science of horticultural therapy and therapeutic horticulture, insights from a national study of programming delivered at public garden sites in the U.S., and UGA’s plans to train a new generation of professionals who can use horticulture to address health and well-being.

The registration deadline is noon on Sept. 25.

Community event in Athens, Clarke County, GA 30605.