“To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow.” - Audrey Hepburn

Horticultural Therapy is a developing therapy approach that improves emotional, mental, and physical health by exposure to garden plants, green spaces, and actual gardening activities. This type of program is often part of a self-care plan that results in alleviating symptoms of depression and anxiety while also increasing self-confidence.

The Villa Fairmont Mental Health Rehabilitation Center (MHRC) in San Leandro, CA, has a horticultural therapy program that began in 2018. Since then, it has vastly expanded throughout the courtyard into three distinct sections. In it, you’ll find fruits, vegetables, flowers, and herbs.

Mary, Villa Fairmont’s resident horticultural therapist, took us on a journey through the campus garden to show off just what the residents were capable of creating in their own backyard.

Take a look below!