About The Garden Therapy
The Garden Therapy Program, which began in the early 1950s, provides funds for gardening activities for clients at Central State Hospital in Milledgeville, and regional psychiatric hospitals in Atlanta, Augusta, Columbus, Rome, Thomasville, and Savannah. It promotes the therapeutic aspects of gardening.
Each state hospital has its staff of Horticulture or Activity Therapists. Under their guidance, volunteer supervisors meet regularly, year round, with client garden clubs that maintain flower beds and vegetable gardens. Residents enjoy harvest meals and see the fruits of their efforts on the dinner table. Clients who cannot "get out and dig in the dirt" might enjoy working with container plants indoors. Expenses for garden therapy activities are supported by contributions.