In New Hanover County, we are:

“Empowering the underserved through gardening, education, inclusion and community engagement.”

Founded in 1999 by the Friends of the New Hanover County Arboretum as the Ability Garden, we were on of the first programs using horticulture as a therapeutic tool in a public garden in North Carolina.

In 2019, we became a North Carolina Cooperative Extension program through NC State University, continuing to bring plants and people together, but shifting our focus from direct services to training and resource development.

Through our limited direct service, we serve children and adults with disabilities, as well as individuals who lack access to equitable resources.  Using green spaces at the NHC Arboretum and community outreach sites, including schools, skilled nursing facilities, and day treatment programs, our programming provides customized, horticulture based, therapeutic interventions with a focus on socialization, nutritional and environmental education, positive behavior support, and vocational training.  With plants and nature as our intervention, we are able to reduce stress, improve concentration, teach new skills and increase self-confidence.

We also develop training opportunities, workshops, presentaions and resources to facilitate therapeutic horticultre in our region.