Therapeutic Horticulture Program PEI

06/03/2026

Today marked the final session of our 4-week therapeutic horticulture program with the TAJ Day Program, and what a wonderful way to wrap things up! 🌿🌸

Participants spent the day planting flowers in the garden and hanging up the bird treats they created for our feathered visitors to enjoy. We also took some time to explore the grounds, visit the baby geese, and say hello to our head gardener, Jeb, who was busy helping the garden thrive.

Over the past four weeks, we've shared so many great experiences together, from creative projects and gardening activities to exploring nature, learning new skills, and building connections. We are so proud of everything the group accomplished and grateful for the enthusiasm, kindness, and joy they brought to each session.

The best part? After completing their final session today, the group immediately signed up for an additional 8 weeks of programming! We are thrilled to continue this journey together and can't wait to see what we'll grow, create, and learn in the weeks ahead.

Thank you to the TAJ Day Program for choosing to spend time with us in the garden. Here's to the next 8 weeks! 💚

05/28/2026

Tuesday’s therapeutic horticulture session was held in partnership with Immigration and Refugee Services and brought together participants for a meaningful day focused on connection, collaboration, and hands-on learning in the garden environment.

The session began with a thoughtful presentation facilitated by Immigration and Refugee Services staff, exploring the relationship between people and the earth. Participants discussed how nature can provide grounding, healing, nourishment, and a sense of belonging regardless of cultural background or life experience. The presentation encouraged reflection on environmental stewardship, cultural connections to growing food and plants, and the shared human experience of caring for the land.

Following the presentation, Rose and I facilitated a collaborative horticultural building activity where participants worked together to construct a raised planter using recycled wooden pallets. The group demonstrated excellent teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills throughout the process. Landscaping fabric was added to create planting pockets for herbs along the sides of the structure, while the tabletop planter section was filled with flowering plants to create a visually welcoming and accessible garden feature.

Participants were actively engaged throughout the session and took pride in contributing to a project that combined creativity, sustainability, and practical gardening skills. The activity encouraged fine and gross motor development, confidence-building, social interaction, and sensory engagement while also creating a lasting feature for the garden space.

The session highlighted the value of therapeutic horticulture as a tool for community inclusion and cultural connection. Participants were able to share experiences, learn from one another, and contribute to a collaborative project that fostered both personal wellbeing and community building in a supportive outdoor environment.

05/26/2026

Check out our sensory awareness trail at 420 University Avenue, Charlottetown.

05/21/2026

The TAJ Day Program got their hands dirty this week learning how to transplant parsley and lettuce, while exploring the importance of healthy soil and proper fertilizing techniques 🌱🥬
From gentle roots to growing confidence, everyone did an amazing job handling their plants and building new horticulture skills together!

05/11/2026

From the garden to the kitchen 🍅🌿

Last week, the Adventure Group rolled up their sleeves to make homemade tomato basil bisque together as part of our therapeutic horticulture program. From chopping and stirring to tasting and sharing, the group worked as a team to create something warm, comforting, and delicious.

Cooking together is such a great way to build confidence, learn new skills, and enjoy the rewards of working with fresh ingredients 💚

05/06/2026

Most people assume that muddy wetlands offer nothing but stagnant water and useless fluffy w**ds.
The truth is these treacherous swamps hid an absolute goldmine of calories that saved thousands of starving pioneers.
This miraculous botanical survival system is universally known as the common cattail.
Guided by ancient indigenous wisdom, desperate settlers learned to aggressively harvest the young green stalks in the early spring.
They peeled back the tough outer layers to reveal a crisp and tender core that provided immediate hydration.
As the blistering summer arrived they carefully shook the vibrant golden pollen into bags to bake highly caloric survival pancakes.
During the harshest months they dug deep into the freezing mud to unearth the massive and hidden root systems.
These incredibly dense roots were dried and ground against rough stones to produce a heavy flour packed with critical starches.
Every single inch of this misunderstood plant provided a distinct nutritional strategy for overcoming pure wilderness starvation.
It completely transformed a terrifying and barren wasteland into an endless grocery store of life-saving provisions.
Follow for more forgotten history to uncover the hidden botanical survival secrets of the American frontier.
Fragile modern emergency supplies quickly run dry and leave explorers completely vulnerable to the harsh elements.
This incredible wetland w**d conquered the deadly frontier and provided an unbroken lifeline of natural abundance.

05/06/2026

We had such a wonderful time welcoming our new friends from the TAJ Day Program! 🌿💐

From harvesting their own kiwi vines to choosing flowers and creating beautiful handmade crowns, this group brought so much creativity and joy to the garden. Each crown was completely unique, just like the person who made it. :)

We’re so excited to have you join us and can’t wait for more days growing, creating, and connecting together 💚

05/01/2026

Blueberry bush moving day with the Adventure Group 🫐

Yesterday, our therapeutic horticulture group spent time carefully digging up blueberry bushes and transplanting them into new spaces where they can continue to grow and flourish. From learning about root systems to working together in the garden, it was a day full of teamwork, patience, and hands-on learning.

A little hard work, fresh air, and soil therapy goes a long way. There’s something pretty special about helping living things grow in a new place 💚

04/23/2026

04/23/2026

Rain, hail, and a whole lot of determination 🌧️🌱

The Adventure Group didn’t let a little wild weather slow them down! Today was all about digging, dividing, and potting up beautiful hydrangeas that are for sale to help fund our program. From muddy shoes to big smiles, this crew showed what resilience (and teamwork!) really looks like.

A little rain just helps things grow 💚