At the N.C. Cooperative Extension, New Hanover County Center and Arboretum, the Lewis Greenhouse is a vibrant, thriving sanctuary. It isn’t just a structure of glass and steel; it is a living laboratory for green socializing, where plants serve as icebreakers for human connection.

In late February, many of us feel the winter slump. The holidays are a distant memory, and the full explosion of spring still feels weeks away. This liminal season can lead to social withdrawal and a lack of sensory stimulation, but our greenhouse remains a hub of activity. Working alongside adults living with disabilities, interns, and volunteers, we are growing plants for the community and our upcoming sales.

Therapeutic horticulture suggests that humans have an innate need to connect with nature, biophilia, and with each other. The Lewis Greenhouse bridges this gap in the winter months. Stepping inside provides an immediate sensory shift: the smell of damp earth, the sight of lush plants, and the audible hum of community. It is a space designed to pull people out of isolation and into a shared, growing environment.

At its simplest, green socializing is the act of connecting with others through the shared task or appreciation of gardening. In the Lewis Greenhouse, this happens organically. You might find a seasoned staff member propagating Hoyas alongside a novice curious about succulent care.

When working with plants, labels like age, vocation, or status fall away, we are all simply people engaged with plants and each other. Conversations start over the curve of a leaf or the beautiful winter bloom of a Kalanchoe. For those managing stress or loneliness, these low-pressure social interactions are vital. They provide a sense of belonging without the performance anxiety of traditional social settings.

The winter buzz inside the Lewis Greenhouse serves a higher purpose, preparing for the Ability Garden 3rd Saturday Plant Sales and the 39th Annual Spring Extension Master Gardener℠ Volunteer Association Plant Sale. These events provide time green socializing and hands-on, relevant growing information in New Hanover County.

We invite you to experience the Lewis Greenhouse for yourself at our upcoming events:

• 2026 Hobby Greenhouse Tour, Saturday, March 7th, from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
• March’s 3rd Saturday Plant Sale, Saturday, March 21st, from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

The N.C. Cooperative Extension Center for New Hanover County operates the NHC Arboretum, located at 6206 Oleander Drive. You can support our Therapeutic Horticulture program at the Ability Garden’s 3rd Saturday Plant Sales, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., at the Arboretum. Reach Heather Kelejian, Therapeutic Horticulture Agent, at hlkeleji@ncsu.edu or 910-798-7660 to learn more.