Therapeutic Horticulture Consultation
with Joanne Zerdy, Ph.D.
Welcome to this new offering, which has been years in the making…
Inside the Drying House in the Herb Garden at the NC Botanic Garden in Chapel Hill, NC
Therapeutic Horticulture (TH) provides a hands-on, evidence-based way of calming restless minds, regulating overactive nervous systems, and strengthening skills and bodily practices (related to, for example, hand-eye coordination, balance, fine motor skills, and focus/attention). TH emphasizes process and engagement and not productivity and product. While we can certainly practice TH as we cultivate fruits, vegetables, and herbs; we can also foreground social interactivity, personal empowerment, and embodied awareness as we work with plants.
Who Benefits from Therapeutic Horticulture? All of us can! While TH has been practiced with those dealing with developmental challenges, declining memory, traumatic injuries, mental health stresses, and more, it can also be used to support the curiosity of preschoolers, the patience of parents, and the community engagement of neighbors. TH allows us to set specific intentions and goals as we work with/in nature.
My approach to Therapeutic Horticulture is enhanced by my work with Herbal Medicine, Permaculture Design, Curriculum Development, Grieving/Healing, Gardening, and Community Organizing. I bring all of this experience with me when I work with you!
With this flexible consultation package, you can choose one of these paths
OR combine them:
Creating a Healing Garden, which may include:
Plant suggestions (with an emphasis on Native, Medicinal, and Edible plants)
Garden design ideas (for indoor, outdoor, and/or compact spaces)
Garden management recommendations (focused on organic, Integrated-Pest-Management, and pollinator-friendly practices)
Resources for continued learning
Nature-based TH Curriculum, which may include:
Gardening activities designed for specific populations, based on interests and goals
Nature-centered mindfulness practices to support everyday stress and fatigue
Gentle plant practices for opening to grieving and healing
Horticulture-infused project-based learning for students of all ages
Social interactivity with/in the garden
Eastern Tiger Swallowtail butterfly visiting the flowering lemon tree in Finlay’s Garden.
How the Consultation Unfolds:
Seedling Meeting (approx. 45 minutes, online or in-person) - Where we discuss your ideas, goals, questions, etc.
TH Plan - Joanne creates a tailored TH plan for you, consisting of garden design ideas and/or nature-based curricula and practices
Transplant Meeting - We talk through the plan and you provide feedback, ask questions, etc.
TH Plan 2 - Joanne shares the final TH plan for you to implement
Compost Meeting - We meet for an additional discussion on how you have implemented (or are in the processing of implementing) the plan (challenges, successes, next steps, et al.)
Further Resources - Joanne shares helpful resources for you to continue your learning and growth
Sliding-Scale Registration:
$400-$600
Please choose the rate that best fits your finances.
We also have a Payment Plan Option (at no additional cost). For that option, select “Payment Plan Deposit - $100”.
Have a question? Please reach out to Joanne: grow [at] invitingabundance.net
Preparing to plant sweetcorn in our 3 Sisters Garden, a wonderful example of polyculture horticulture with corn/maize, beans, and squash.
Potted Lemon Balm growing abundantly on top of a rain barrel.