The Horticultural Therapy Program at Waveny Care Center was established when Waveny opened in 1975. Professionally trained volunteers, including several New Canaan Garden Club members, met weekly with residents to work on plant-related activities. The original program won several awards, including a Certificate of Achievement from the Federated Garden Clubs of Connecticut in 1981. Horticultural Therapy is known to help focus, mood and motor skills. Well-being is promoted through engaging with nature and the social interaction that takes place among residents and volunteers during the activities.
Today, Horticultural Therapy at Waveny Care Center is operated entirely by NCGC volunteers who meet eight times a year to work with two groups of memory care residents arranging flowers for the dining room and creating plant-oriented projects for their rooms. Many of the Waveny residents have gardening and flower arranging experience which add meaning and joy to them but also to our sessions.
Hort Therapy is a fun and rewarding experience for all involved!
