Horticultural Therapy Workshops

HORTICULTURAL THERAPY TRAINING RETURNS TO PROVIDENCE FARM

In 2012, Providence Farm partnered with Ann Kent HTM and the Horticultural Therapy Professional Development Program to offer The Practice of Horticultural Therapy. The course sold out and we are excited about new options for training in therapeutic horticulture (TH) and horticultural therapy (HT) in 2013.

Two professional development workshops in therapeutic horticulture take place in April. Both support the vision and purpose of the Providence Farm therapeutic community and take advantage of the Farm’s beautiful setting in Garry Oak meadows and coastal forest.

The instructor, Ann Kent HTM, is a long time supporter and partner of Providence Farm. Ann spent much of her childhood growing up on the leeward shore of Vancouver Island and is very familiar with local horticultural conditions and with south-coastal ecosystems. Ann has an active horticultural therapy practice based in Vancouver, BC.

The Nature Connection in TH and HT programs

Interest in the following workshops has been excellent and registration is now closed for the spring 2013 nature workshops at Providence Farm.

Nature-based activities comprise an important part of fostering health and wellness for participants in TH and HT programs and in contexts such as schools or community centres. A strong research base reinforces the benefits of exploring nature and plant materials. We will use Providence Farm’s meadow and woodland setting to support a variety of indoor and outdoor activities and as inspiration to develop nature-themed seasonal programs that can be readily adapted for use with different populations.

Friday, April 12, 8:45 am to 5:15 pm.

 

Botanical Weaving – simple indoor and outdoor projects

This workshop focuses on techniques for weaving on a variety of simple frames, some for group projects outdoors, others for table-top work with individual participants. All projects use natural and easily found materials and can be adapted for various levels of skill and ability in TH or similar programs. It doesn’t matter if you have never woven or stitched anything before in your life. Share ideas, conversation, and laughter while you work on several colourful and satisfying projects to take home.

Saturday, April 13, 8:45 am to 5:15 pm.

Fee for each workshop is $135.00 and includes a full day (8 hours) of instruction, lots of helpful handouts, and all plant materials and activity supplies. Those enrolling in both the Friday and Saturday workshops pay a reduced fee of $250.00. There is no HST.

No prerequisites. Join others with similar interests in therapeutic horticulture and nature-based activities. Maximum 12 students in each workshop.

Early registration is advised. To make further inquiries or to obtain a registration form, please contact Ann directly at ann@catkingardens.ca

A statement of completion is provided to assist those who are seeking professional registration with the Canadian Horticultural Therapy Association or who wish to use this program for continuing education credits for related professional associations.

For further information about horticultural therapy courses, please downloadHORTICULTURAL THERAPY CERTIFICATE_SPRING 2013_Ann Kent HTM. or visit Ann’s website at www.catkingardens.ca.

Providence Farm and Ann Kent look forward to offering another HT Certificate course in the fall of 2013, dates to be announced early in the New Year.

 

2013 Calendars – Now Available

The Providence Farm 2012 Wall Calendars include many full colour pictures following a year at Providence Farm, from the beautiful sunrises of snowy winter mornings to the flowering abundance of summer.

Inspirational quotes and gardening tips enhance every month. Events at Providence Farm are already noted on the date, so you can plan your year at Providence.

All proceeds from the calendars will go to the programs at Providence Farm, helping to restore the spirit and skills of those with physical, mental and emotional challenges.

For more information call Providence Farm at 746-4204.

Published Articles

Two happy volunteers/staff

Much of our good work has been documented in published articles.

Providence Farm receives a great deal of media attention. We have been featured in some local magazines this year and have been filmed for television specials.

Check Us Out:

  • “Harvesting One Fine Meal”, Peter Rusland of The Newsleader & Pictorial October 2007. See www.cowichannewsleader.com
  • “Providence Farm: opening hearts, doors and minds in the Cowichan Valley” Alex Van Tol, Boulevard March/April 2007. See www.victoriaboulevard.com and the article text (pdf)
  • “Land of opportunity, just out of town”, Jack Knox, Times Colonist Published: Sunday, May 07, 2006 . See www.canada.com
  • “A Therapeutic Community”, Recreating Eden Episode. See www.recreatingeden.com (available on DVD from the Farm Office)

Annual Reports

The Providence Farm Annual Report connects the dots between our everyday activities and our Mission Statement. It includes an overview of our finances for the fiscal year and outlines the benefits of our work.

Here we give witness to some of our yearly accomplishments as well as recognize important people.

Previous Years

Newsletters

The Providence Community Newsletter is a great way to stay informed of the latest happenings at Providence Farm. They are available to read here or become a member to have them mailed to your home.

Front cover of the Winter 2011 newsletter

Winter 2011

Front cover of the Spring 2011 newsletter

Spring 2011

Front cover of the Fall 2010 newsletter

Fall 2010

Archive of current and past newsletters