Relocation from Wilmont to the Teaching Farm
This summer, the UF/IFAS Therapeutic Horticulture Program is joining the UF/IFAS Horticultural Sciences Teaching Farm, relocating from Wilmot Gardens. The move will connect the program more closely with the Teaching Farm’s culture of hands-on learning, on-site research, and a shared passion for plants.
“While moving does create some challenges in the short term, we’re looking forward to the opportunities it brings,” shared Leah Diehl, associate professor and director of the program. “The hope is that this is a wonderful solution as we determine our future needs.”
Therapeutic Horticulture is grounded in the belief that active engagement with nature can improve quality of life and support physical, emotional, and social well-being. IFAS’ program holds partnerships with organizations across the state and serves a diverse range of participants. Diehl has hosted courses benefiting individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities, patients in psychiatric care settings, and people living with conditions such as Parkinson’s disease or recovering from stroke. This move places the program at the center of one of the department’s most active teaching and engagement spaces.
Described as a “living classroom”, the Teaching Farm is a space where students, faculty, and staff work alongside one another through coursework, outreach programs, and events such as the department’s annual Spring and Fall Festivals. It also functions as a demonstration site for industry professionals to engage with students and host community groups like 4-H.
“One of the huge positives to our department is the sense of community between faculty and students, and the farm is a big part of that because we’re working hand in hand together,” said Zack Black, manager of the Teaching Farm. “Everyone here is passionate about plants. Our students, faculty, and staff are here because they’re interested in horticulture, and the Teaching Farm brings those people together.”
Serving All
The Teaching Farm also offers new possibilities for individuals served by the program to access larger outdoor growing areas and crop production spaces. “We’ve never really had access to crop rows before,” Diehl said. “Being able to expand into that type of growing environment will create new experiences for our participants.”
As the program settles into its new home, accessibility remains a top priority and may also help shape future improvements. Features such as raised growing beds help make gardening activities more accessible for community members who use walkers, have mobility limitations, or are unable to work comfortably at ground level.
The Therapeutic Horticulture Program currently includes Program Manager Lauren St. Clair and Support Specialist Brooke Meadows, who support therapeutic horticulture programming and the academic certificate, and Rachel Wright, who leads programming through a partnership with UF’s Psychiatric Hospital. Along with student employees and volunteers, the team delivers programming, conducts research, and provides experiential learning opportunities.
Department leadership and Teaching Farm staff have welcomed the transition and are working to ensure the program integrates smoothly.
“Our goal is to partner with instructors and existing programs, not compete with them,” Diehl said. We plan to happily coexist, collaborate, and make sure everyone benefits from what we’re doing.”
While the Teaching Farm will serve as the program’s home for the foreseeable future, long-term plans include pursuing funding opportunities for a dedicated greenhouse and expanded therapeutic horticulture facilities. The move is expected to be completed by June 15.
Diehl remains optimistic about what lies ahead: “We’re here to serve everyone.”
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