Ask an Expert: Sheila Bailes, Horticultural Therapist
We talked to registered horticultural therapist Sheila Bailes from Victoria, BC to get her thoughts on the impacts of indoor gardening on adult living facilities, including senior living accommodations and retirement communities. Here’s what she had to say.
Why are gardening activities important for seniors?
It’s important for seniors to have the opportunity to participate in a hobby that was enjoyed in the past – particularly one the individual was successful at in life before they moved into a facility. So many of our seniors have a strong connection to gardening and growing their own food on some level.
Gardening activities offer purposeful occupation ensuring folks keep busy and stay engaged. Many seniors like to contribute to life in the facility/home. Gardening offers them the opportunity to be useful and, for many, provides a sense of responsibility and ownership of a project.
In my experience, many seniors relish the opportunity to connect with plants and others. Gardening facilitates the creation of connections and friendships in a new environment/living situation.
Plus, gardening can continue to offer ongoing learning opportunities for all of us, regardless of age.
What is the benefit of having a year-round indoor growing system for any horticultural therapy or seniors gardening program?
Having an indoor system provides the opportunity to offer horticultural therapy and therapeutic horticulture programming at the facility throughout the year, regardless of weather conditions, and the opportunity for continuity in programming is important.
Where do you see a system like the Les Verts Terrace Pro fitting into gardening programs?
A system like the Terrace Pro offers facilities a ready supply of program materials (including supplies for stimulation programs and 1:1 engagement activities). With the Terrace Pro, you have the ability to start your choice of plants for direct use in the facility rather than having to rely on what is available at the local garden centre (even more important in areas where garden centres are open for only short periods of time).
Because of its design, the Terrace Pro can provide access to plants and gardening to individuals with limited mobility (wheelchair and walker users). Finally, the system can provide a year-round supply of fresh herbs and greens to be proudly incorporated into special events and meals offered by the dietary team.
What unique features of the Terrace Pro make this piece of equipment a good fit for horticultural therapy and seniors gardening programs?
With its large capacity for growing (2’ x 4’ grow shelves), the Terrace Pro delivers not just a token supply of produce but enough to be usable at the facility. Its custom LED grow lights offer an eye pleasing light spectrum that is attractive to look at and can brighten the dark days of winter.
Quality construction and high-end materials ensure the system is both sturdy and tidy, and the thoughtful design makes it easy to use for all ages; managing the system is very straightforward. Rounded edges and open growing trays make it safe and accessible for all clients.
I would recommend the Terrace Pro to other horticultural therapists and therapeutic horticulture practitioners. It would be a most welcome addition to any horticultural therapy setting.
To learn more about the Les Verts Terrace Pro indoor garden, click here.