Since the founding of Green Chimneys in 1947, horticulture has played an important role in the lives of our students. Our horticulture therapy program offers both a Children's Garden on the main campus and an Organic Farm and Garden at BoniBel, about one mile down the road.
The Children's Garden offers many educational, therapeutic and recreational benefits for Green Chimneys students. Our horticulture therapists collaborate closely with the Life Skills class where students get to cook up the fruits (and vegetables) of their labors, incorporating healthy eating habits. During the spring, summer and fall months, classes are held in the half-acre organic garden, where planting, maintenance and harvesting of the crops are taught. In the winter, students learn about the scientific side of horticulture, such as plant anatomy and seed propagation in our 600-square-foot greenhouse. The Children's Garden provides not only fresh produce to the students, but also a therapeutic environment facilitated by our certified horticulture therapist. A four-month internship is offered to those interested in horticulture therapy as well as many volunteer opportunities for members of the community.
BoniBel offers our children both horticulture therapy and, for older children, an opportunity for vocational training. The vegetable and plant stand is open during the summer and fall, providing fresh, organic produce and flowers to the community at reasonable prices. Maple sugar and honey, harvested by our students, is also on sale.
