The Ability Garden
Beth Ann Scisco, Ability Garden Agent, Program Director
beth_scisco@ncsu.edu
Phyllis Meole, Horticultural Therapist, The Ability Garden
phyllis_meole@ncsu.edu
Claire Hetzel, Horticultural Therapy Intern
claire_hetzel@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
Walking for Wellness
Take this opportunity to exercise your body and relax your
mind while enjoying the peaceful effects of nature.
Mindfulness while walking enhances stress relief and moves
the walker toward the goal. Learning new techniques of
wellness last far beyond the garden gate.