NGB Awards Grants to Therapy Gardens

National Garden Bureau’s (NGB) annual grant program, Growing for Futures, has selected three therapeutic gardens to receive grants totaling $5,000.

Growing for Futures, started in 2014, is the philanthropic program of NGB that supports the building and growth of therapeutic gardens across North America. The program furthers NGB’s mission of promoting gardening to gardeners and non-gardeners alike.

Over 67,000 voters weighed in, and the three winning gardens are:

• Lee College’s Horticulture Program at O. B. Ellis Unit, Huntsville, Texas First place vote-recipient; winner of a $3,000 grant.

An educational/vocational horticulture program at the O.B. Ellis Unit correctional facility, it offers an A.A.S. degree in horticulture as well as certificates in horticulture and landscape management. Students have additional opportunities through the Texas A&M Master Gardener’s Program.

• Vogel Alcove – Early Childhood Education Program, Dallas, Texas Winner of a $1,000 grant.

Vogel Alcove offers access to a therapeutic early childhood learning program to young children (216 served to date) affected by homelessness. The program addresses the developmental needs of children with social-emotional, cognitive and physical development.

• The Alice and Herbert Sachs Therapeutic Conservatory and Garden, Elkins Park, Pennsylvania Winner of a $1,000 grant.

A dedicated space for MossRehab’s clinical horticultural therapy program, it offers patients recovering from traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, stroke, amputation and other complex conditions a beautiful oasis while also offering them an opportunity to meet their rehab goals through horticulture therapy.

“Caring for plants and experiencing nature brings healing and purpose to people whose lives have been affected by illness, addiction, violence or military service,” said Heather Kibble, NGB president. “National Garden Bureau, in partnership with local therapeutic organizations, strives to make gardening accessible to everyone, no matter their situation, history or abilities. Our garden grant program impacts individual lives using garden-based education and therapy.”

For more information about National Garden Bureau, please visit www.ngb.org.