Botanical Garden Offers Dementia Friendly Garden Workshop
by Ron Aaron Eisenberg
Across the country, a number of community gardens are recognizing the therapeutic value of gardening for people struggling with many forms of dementia.
Locally, San Antonio Botanical Garden is offering an innovative dementia friendly gardening project. Christina Bittle, Doctor of Occupational Therapy student at UT Health San Antonio is the instructor.
The Garden dubbed the project “GROW (Gardening Rooted in Occupational Wellness).” It is produced in partnership with UT Health San Antonio’s Caring for the Caregiver program at the Garden. GROW is designed to promote improved mental health, quality of life, and opportunities for social connection for people living with dementia and their caregivers.
Research has shown that participating in gardening programs and activities promotes positive outcomes for participants’ mental health and well-being. According to the Garden’s website, GROW utilizes hands-on gardening activities, such as planting, pruning, and exploring sensory aspects of plants, to promote these outcomes.
The workshop is free and open to the public, but advance registration is requested. The Garden is located at 555 Funston Place, San Antonio 78209. To register for GROW go to www.sabot.org, click on adult classes and visit DEMENTIA-FRIENDLY GARDENING WORKSHOP.
