The Ability Garden

Phyllis Meole, Horticultural Therapist, The Ability Garden
phyllis_meole@ncsu.edu

Horticulture Therapy
Horticulture Therapy, a program of the Arboretum at New Hanover County focuses on the Ability Garden.  This is a unique garden space designed to encourage and promote successful gardening opportunities. Some of the features that make the Ability Garden special are:

• Raised beds
• Adaptive equipment
• A wide variety of garden containers including "vertical garden boxes"
• Barrier-free space
• An outdoor classroom
• "Hands-on" activities for all
• Free of charge

Who uses the Ability Garden?
The Ability Garden encourages and promotes successful gardening for groups and individuals who have a variety of physical and sensory abilities. Some of our users are:

• Nursing homes
• Group homes
• Rehabilitation facilities
• Support groups for specific populations
• Adult day care
• Physically and/or mentally challenged individuals
• Special education classes

What services does the Ability Garden provide to the community?
The site provides the opportunity for all citizens to engage in gardening activities within a "can do" environment. Gardening is promoted as essential to our concept of quality of life for individuals of all ages and abilities. Some of the services offered are:

• Staff includes a registered horticultural therapist
• Speakers on a variety of accessible gardening and related issues
• The Try-A-Tool Program featuring a wide variety of adaptive equipment
• Arboretum tours geared to the needs of the group
• Opportunity to experience nature related activities