Horticulture - Green Chimneys

When partnering with families, Green Chimneys uses a team approach

Student Benefits from Team Approach

April 17, 2019

Horticulture

Practical lessons in the garden enhance and reinforce theoretical learning in the classroom. Under the supervision of our farm and nature instructor, students gain respect for nature, manual work, individuals and the community, and have opportunities to grow plants, harvest vegetables, and prepare meals using produce out of the garden.

Our garden instructors collaborate closely with the school’s Life Skills class where students cook the fruits (and vegetables) of their labors and incorporate healthy eating habits. During the spring, summer and fall months, students participate in planting, maintenance and harvesting of the crops. Students also learn about aeroponics in a vertical garden that grows lettuce, tomatoes, and many herbs, connecting the science and benefits of growing plants this way. In the winter, students learn about the scientific side of horticulture, including plant anatomy and seed propagation.

Purposeful, supervised gardening activities can:

Enhance self-esteem

Alleviate depression

Improve motor skills

Provide opportunities for problem-solving

Encourage work adjustment

Improve social interaction and communication

Teach marketable horticultural and business skills

Mac

Crabapple Hollow Macintosh, “Mac” for short, is a 13-year-old Clydesdale gelding (male) with striking white markings and long, white hair on his legs called “feathers.” Clydesdales originated in Scotland as one of the smaller draft breeds, but have been bred to be taller to look more impressive in parades & shows. Mac is well known on campus for being the biggest horse at the barn, as he stands around 17 hands high and weighs close to 1,200 pounds! But don’t let his size fool you – Mac is a gentle giant, and is great at his job as a therapy horse, helping students gain important skills in riding & driving sessions.