American Public Gardens Association’s Post

🌱 Horticulture Therapy: A New Path to Healing In her latest SSV Medicine article, Katherine Stewart, MD, a University of California-recognized Master Gardener, shares the benefits of horticulture therapy. By integrating gardening into patient care, Dr. Stewart highlights how this approach helps reduce stress and promote physical recovery. Read more about the therapeutic connection between nature and healing. 🔗 Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/g6sU8ExK #SSVMed #DoctorsWhoWrite #HorticultureTherapy #HealingWithNature #PatientWellness #GardeningTherapy

The Mount Rushmore of halloween villains. If you had to drop one from your fantasy villain roster, who would it be? One thing that isn't scary: getting PAID to upgrade your horticulture equipment. One of our experts would love to chat with you about the rebate associated with your grow room upgrades. Or if you want to debate scariest movie of all time, we can do that too. #FreddyKrueger #JasonVoorhees #Leatherface #MichaelMyers #GrowGreen #GreenRebates #Horticulture #EfficiencyPays

Pollinators and pollinator plants have been good news for the ornamental horticulture industry. Now there's good news for monarch butterflies and other pollinators as 2024 draws to a close. The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation announced $5.2 million in grants—plus matching contributions—to conserve monarch butterflies and other insect pollinators in 24 states. Read more about the grants, the programs they impact, and the benefits for monarchs and pollinators—and you and your customers—here: https://lnkd.in/gbbSHcZz #monarchbutterflies #monarchconservation #pollinators #ornamental #horticulture #turf #pollinatorplants

#FridayFlora - The extensive collection of Sarracenia at Atlanta Botanical Garden contains a wide variety of indexed species as well as horticulturally significant taxa. Sarracenia are carnivorous plants indigenous to the eastern U.S. and Canada, Texas, and the Great Lakes, with most species occurring only in the southeast U.S. The climate in Atlanta is well suited for growing the majority of these species. The Conservation Garden displays themed bog habitats showcasing native pitcher plants. Living collections are further backed up by a seed bank for long-term storage. Specialized facilities including a state-of-the-art conservation greenhouse and tissue culture lab permit superior propagation of rare species for future reintroduction and augmentation. The experienced staff has developed protocols for successful Sarracenia germination, micropropagation, horticulture, and reintroduction into the wild. #GoPublicGardens #PublicGardens #PublicGardens #flora #florafriday #atlanta #atlantaga #atlantageorgia #atlantabotanicalgarden

Some trees retain their leaves through winter, while others shed them in autumn. The phenomenon of clinging leaves, known as marcescence, affects some trees, often oaks and beech, more than others. As it turns out, the marcescent species lack the enzymes needed to shed their leaves. The reason for this is not fully understood, but some suggest that it confers some protection from deer browsing, or that the shedding of leaves in spring provides a nutrient benefit through delayed decomposition in the soil. Whatever the reason, marcescence adds a welcome rustling sound and a hint of brown to the winter landscape. —Director of Horticulture Uli Lorimer Photo: American beech (Fagus grandiflora) displaying marcescence, Uli Lorimer ©Native Plant Trust #nativeplanttrust #newengland #newenglandnativeplants #marcescence #beech #oaks #leavesstayingontrees #wintertrees #newenglandwinter #foresttrees #beechleaves

Our #1 tip to improve biodiversity? CHOOSE NATIVE PLANTS! What's not to love about native plants? They’re low-maintenance and proven to enhance biodiversity because even pickiest local pollinators love them! Plus, your local species adapt better to soil and weather conditions than non-natives and they don’t need chemicals to thrive. Sadly, native species are becoming increasingly endangered, so your backyard might just be their last refuge! What natives are you growing in your garden? (plus, follow our page for more biodiversity-friendly tips!) #verticalgarden #pottedplants #garden #gardens #gardeninspiration #happygardener #gardenlife #citygarden #gardenideas #balconygardening #biodiversity #wildplanet #ecology #planetearth #environmentalist

Ooh, here's a study with some fun pollinator info for you! A research team in the UK showed that gardens offer important nectar when farmland plants are not in season. The gardens fill the gaps during the rest of the year. It just shows how important it is to have native plants in bloom throughout the season. #savethebees #pollinators #climateresilience #urbangardening

What’s the difference between Horticultural Therapy and Therapeutic Horticulture? 🌿 Both approaches offer profound benefits, whether it’s through structured therapy or a more flexible, community-based experience. 📣 Share this post to help raise awareness about this field! #HorticulturalTherapy #TherapeuticHorticulture 

We still have a good few weeks for the growing season in the U.K. (provided the weather doesn’t change), but 2024 has undoubtedly been a year full of challenges for horticulture. The wet, cool summer has certainly impacted many ornamental exotic plants, but on the bright side, native plants have continued to thrive in these conditions. Research from the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) highlights how native species are well-adapted to the UK's temperate climate, often flourishing in cooler, wetter summers. These conditions have allowed them to establish stronger root systems and grow robustly. With native plants being better suited to these variable weather patterns, they could be key to future gardening success in the face of climate uncertainty. My garden is mostly exotic plants, so I do wish for warmer days, but I'm hopeful that this winter will be forgiving, and that next year will be a little bit warmer! #horticulture #plants #horticulturalindustry

At Holden Forests & Gardens, our commitment to plant conservation goes beyond the boundaries of our gardens. I'm thrilled to share that our cutting-edge Rhododendron research and breeding programs are receiving well-deserved national recognition {Thank you to Landscape Management!}. In September, a dedicated team led by Conner Ryan, our Rhododendron Collections Manager, embarked on a remarkable journey to Georgia and South Carolina. Their mission? To conserve the Oconee azalea (Rhododendron flammeum), a stunning species threatened by habitat destruction and natural hybridization. Supported by a Global Conservation Consortia grant from Botanic Gardens Conservation International and the U.S. National Arboretum, our team visited 15 populations, collecting seeds from 10—totaling 90 unique seed collections. These efforts ensure the survival of this species, both for cultivation in partner gardens worldwide and for potential future restoration, scientific research, and breeding programs. At Holden’s Leach Research Station, Connor and his colleague, HF&G Scientist Juliana Medeiros, are working to build the most extensive, well-documented collection of North American rhododendrons and azaleas, with a vision to host the largest collection of Oconee azaleas outside the South. This project underscores the vital role gardens play in conserving plants beyond their native habitats—protecting biodiversity for future generations. Together, we can nurture a greener, more resilient world. #PlantConservation #Rhododendrons #Sustainability #HoldenForestsAndGardens #GreenFuture