( Chester NJ) – Horticultural Therapy Week in New Jersey celebrated at Alstede Farms in Morris County on Tuesday March 20. Recognizing the benefits of the people-plant connection were New Jersey Secretary of Agriculture Douglas Fisher, Horticultural Therapist Laura DePrado, Barbara Alstede of Alstede Farms and team members, along with community leaders. 

Secretary Fisher presented Proclamation from Governor Phil ip Murphy noting “The therapeutic benefits of a garden environment to improve the quality of life of program participants, and the social, vocational and therapeutic programs that enable individuals to experience independence and achievement, increasing their sense of dignity as they increase their ability to function in various settings, such as hospitals, rehabilitation facilities, and senior centers.” (more…)

Horticultural therapy is a vehicle to meet wide-ranging goals, and it successfully enables and empowers individuals to achieve their maximum independence in settings such as mental health, rehabilitation facilities, hospitals including veterans, adult daycare, vocational schools, nursing homes, substance abuse rehabilitation, developmentally disabled day programs and group homes, day and residential housing for adults with autism, community and county parks, gardens and arboreta. (Photo: ~Courtesy of Laura DePrado)

It’s Horticultural Therapy Week in the Garden State to coincide with the Vernal Equinox and the beginning of spring. 

Since 2016, New Jersey has been the only state to designate the third full week in March as Horticultural Therapy Week to increase public awareness and the importance of horticultural therapy in improving the quality of life for all and increasing opportunities for each individual to experience the endless benefits of the people-plant connection.   (more…)

Evan Wadle, representing NJ Rep. Leonard Lance (R-7th) presented a Congressional Citation to Laura DePrado for an article she wrote published in the Journal of Therapeutic Horticulture. Credits: Courtesy Somerset County Freeholders

SOMERVILLE, NJ – The Somerset County Freeholders recognized New Jersey Horticultural Therapy Week at its March 13th meeting, presenting a proclamation to Branchburg resident and horticultural therapist Laura DePrado.

A proclamation in recognition of a story she wrote that was published in the Journal of Therapeutic Horticulture was also presented by Eric Wadle, a representative of New Jersey Rep. Leonard Lance, R-7th. (more…)

Brother International Corporation Bridgewater employees celebrated Horticultural Therapy Week early as they explored wellness alternatives in a Lunch-n-Learn Workshop February 28th as they learned about the use of plants for social, physical and psychological well-being through Horticultural Therapy.  Participants connected and engaged with plant materials while creating hands on projects in purpose and meaning.  The workshop was guided by Horticultural Therapist Laura DePrado of Final Touch Plantscaping, LLC

“What a great event for our Employees!  It was uniquely different yet so inspiring, calming and joyful!”

– Doriana Allyn, Sr. Manager Employee Events and Initiatives –