Therapeutic Horticulture

Our horticulture programs are a great way for participants of all abilities and experiences to learn about farming and the growing world around us. By engaging in hands-on planting, maintenance, and harvesting activities, participants in our horticulture programs experience emotional healing, improved cognitive skills and improved balance, coordination, strength and stamina. They are able to hone skills as they help grow thousands of pounds of vegetables, fruits, herbs, and flowers each year, which are used in farm-to-table cooking classes and events and donated to hunger relief efforts throughout the Rochester area. All horticulture programs are offered to veterans at no charge.

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Veteran Farm & Wellness

Our weekly customized Veteran Farm & Wellness Program includes therapeutic horticulture lessons, cooking classes, and community meals. With facility improvements, including the construction of a 96-foot greenhouse, improved capacity and expanded the offerings for our participants including the addition of Maple Syrup Production Program offerings throughout the winter months. All horticulture programs are offered to veterans at no charge.

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Winter Wellness

The Winter Wellness Program is a four-week series that uses nature-based activities such as microgreen growing and outdoor exploration to support Veterans’ physical, mental, and social well-being during the winter months. By combining physical activity, mindfulness, and peer connection, Winter Wellness helps Veterans stay active, grounded, and supported through the winter season.

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Seasonal Horticultural Learning

The changing seasons brings opportunities for unique and changing programming:

 

Maple syrup production—Harvesting the natural sweetener produced by maple trees is a great way to learn about forest ecology, indigenous foodways, and modern syrup production. Through nature walks in our maple forest and demonstrations of tapping, boiling, and candy making, participants gain practical knowledge while experiencing the therapeutic benefits of outdoor programming.
Bees and Honey—Without pollinators, we couldn’t grow food and our ecosystem would be paralyzed. Honeybees are one of many pollinators that help our Farm thrive. By partnering with these incredible insects, we can learn about their essential function, share in their delicious honey, and learn about the history and science of beekeeping.
Food preservation—This six-part series offers hands-on workshops in food preservation, teaching participants diverse methods to extend the life of fresh ingredients. Topics include making fire cider, drying and freezing herbs, pickling, fermenting, and both water bath and pressure canning. Participants take home the preserves they make.

 

In Part 1: Site Selection, we'll focus on all the things to consider when picking out the location of your new growing space.

 

In Part 2: Plant Selection, we'll cover considerations for selecting plants that will thrive in your unique growing space.

 

And in Part 3: Design & Layout, we'll introduce design theories and layout practices that can be used to maximize your growing space.