One of the main components of Amina Grace Gardens Program is the vertical hydroponic garden in the Misericordia Greco Gardens Greenhouse. Horticulture therapy techniques have positive cognitive, physical and vocational impacts. It improves memory and language skills, strengthens muscles and balance, and residents learn to work independently and problem solve. This program allows residents to grow their own vegetables and herbs 365 day a year, even during the cold Chicago months!

Today, some of the hydroponic zip towers were taken over to the Activities of Daily Living program at Misericordia so that they could harvest basil. The basil will be utilized in their meal preparation at their residences. In addition to basil, other kitchen herbs that will be grown in the towers include oregano, rosemary and thyme to name a few. Vegetables that can be grown include artichokes, beans, lettuce, spinach, cabbage, beets, asparagus, broccoli, cauliflower, brussel sprouts and peas. The program teaches residents how to grow their own food and maximizes their independence through a positive sensory environment.

In addition to growing their own herbs and vegetables, the residents design, paint and plant seasonal potted plants for sale in the Misericordia Heartstrings Gift Shop, which offer them the opportunity to work on their career and soft skills. These projects provide residents the following opportunities:

• Involvement with planning 12 months of work
• Planting and maintaining the plants in the greenhouse
• Supplying care instruction to our customers
• Making paper for tags that accompany the plants
• Growing plants to dye the paper for the tags
• Maintaining and switching out the plants at the gift shop
• Tracking of inventory, cost and profit

The residents see these projects through from start to finish so they are able to recognize the value of the work that do each day!

#aminagrace #hydroponics #horticulturetherapy