There’s something undeniably magical about the experience of digging in the dirt, planting a seed, and watching it sprout and bloom. At Tri-Valley Developmental Services in Fort Scott, this process takes on new significance through a unique horticulture therapy program designed to serve adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
With a focus on hands-on learning, plant care, and community involvement, the program offers a therapeutic outlet that nurtures both plants and the people who care for them. “It is designed to get the people we serve outdoors and included in nature in a therapeutic way,” said Program Coordinator Austin Bolinger.
The Fort Scott location — one of Tri-Valley’s eight facilities — serves 30 clients. Since its inception in 2007, the horticultural therapy program has grown and now includes around a dozen individuals.
“All of our clients aren’t in the program, but they all have the opportunity to be,” Bolinger explained. “We have about 12 dedicated gardeners. They are eager to help at any time, whether it’s weeding, planting, or simply being part of the process.”
THE THERAPEUTIC benefits of working in a garden are well-known. The healing power of nature has been recognized for centuries, with one of the earliest documented cases being that of Dr. Benjamin Rush, a signer of the Declaration of Independence and considered the “Father of American Psychiatry.”
In the 19th century, Rush noted that engaging in gardening activities had a profound positive effect on individuals suffering from mental illness, helping them to regain emotional and mental well-being.
Today, horticultural therapy is widely used across a range of rehabilitative, vocational, and community settings. This form of therapy supports participants in learning new skills, building confidence, and improving overall well-being.
It can enhance memory, cognitive abilities, and promote better socialization and communication. Additionally, it helps individuals in physical rehabilitation by strengthening muscles, improving coordination, balance, and endurance.
Several garden beds are on-site for the horticulture program. Bolinger says they are currently preparing for the season and will soon start work on readying the beds for planting. Raised garden beds provide inclusivity to clients in the program. They are wheelchair accessible, allowing people of all abilities to participate. 
Gourds hang to dry in the 2,220 square foot greenhouse. Members of the horticulture therapy program will use the gourds in craft projects. 
Tri-Valley Developmental Services in Fort Scott offers a horticulture therapy program to its clients.
TRI-VALLEY’S program also includes vocational training opportunities, where participants can learn how to sell plants to the local community through plant sales held at the center. By collaborating with local plant distributors, the program generates funds that go back into purchasing materials and expanding the program’s reach.
Nothing goes to waste either. The produce grown in the garden is used in the center’s cooking classes, while gourds and other plants are incorporated into craft projects. Each year, program participants showcase their work at local county fairs and farmers markets.
“There’s such a sense of pride that comes with seeing something you’ve nurtured from a seed grow into a beautiful plant,” Bolinger shared. “Our participants truly enjoy showing off their hard work, and it’s a reminder of how much they’re capable of accomplishing.”
By cultivating plants and personal growth, Bolinger hopes that the program will plant seeds of success that will continue to bloom for years to come.
