Terrarium gardening is one of the hottest trends, GROWING daily.
Terrarium shops are popping up in cities across the country. Storefronts such as this one are increasing in popularity. Instead of sending flowers, one can now send a live garden. Terrarium gardens look beautiful upon a coffee table, a kitchen counter, even a nightstand.
Terrarium gardening makes for a wonderful senior living program as residents not only walk away with a beautiful living garden to adorn their home – but also with some unexpected health benefits.
Terrarium Gardening:
- promotes hand strength & dexterity
- relieves stress and improves mental health
- stimulates creative thinking
- encourages awareness
- lowers blood pressure
- helps immune system
Ask a horticulturist to come to your community and teach the class. A horticulturist can be found at your local nursery or garden center. Perhaps ask a local florist to assist. Or does your city have a terrarium shop? The store mentioned above offers workshops, teaching people how to build their own garden and it also sends instructors to teach groups off site.
Or ask a resident who is interested in gardening to lead the program. There are many DIY instructions available online.
Consider offering this program as a 2-part series.
The first class can be an informational session and the second, the actual gardening class. Residents gather for the first class to learn about terrarium gardening, perhaps see some examples, and to determine if they want to participate. Following this session, they may sign up for the next class — (the actual gardening class). By signing up, residents financially commit. Predetermine a set fee (such as $40 per person, etc). Fee should include instruction and all the materials needed (glass container, soil, succulent plants). Perhaps allow residents to bring their own container if they wish. Some advance research will be needed in determining the pricing. Fees can be billed to resident accounts.
Small inexpensive glass containers can be purchased at a local craft store such as Hobby Lobby. Soil, plants and other garden materials can be purchased at your local nursery or gardening center.
Residents will enjoy the opportunity to create their own indoor living garden. They can either personally enjoy it in their home or give as a gift to a special loved one.
