Windowsill Whimsy, Gardening & Horticultural Therapy Projects for Small Spaces

by Hank Bruce, Tomi Jill Folk

This is an idea source for horticultural therapy programs, schools, senior care facilities and individuals of all ages and abilities. These projects and plant related activities range from easy to difficult, and each has a touch of whimsy. The authors explain that whimsy is the counterpoint to the serious work of being human. These projects were designed by professional horticultural therapists to be fun while serving as great physical, mental and social exercises for everyone. Contains four kinds of activities Plant projects with creative activities and care notes accompanying each one. Craft activities range from creating a "Peace Card" to "Turning Your Problems into Compost." Quizzes on everything from garlic to coconuts. These are great conversation starters. Short stories that can be read aloud to a group or individually while waiting for the plants to grow. These are great springboards for discussion. There is also a comprehensive list of both safe and dangerous plants. Teachers, home schoolers, activity professionals, counselors, horticultural therapists, family caregivers and individuals of all ages will find these pages of value. The focus is on empowerment and creativity.

264 pages, Paperback

First published September 15, 2008

About the author

During my lifetime I have had the opportunity to meet a multitude of fascinating people It’s not the rich and famous, but the everyday people who have, time after time, taught me valuable lessons, and shown me by their actions what it means to be an everyday hero. There is no such thing as a common man, but there are billions of delightfully unique fellow human beings, and each one has something to teach me.

I have been a horticultural therapist, hunger activist, teacher, speaker and writer. Together with my wonderful, and incredibly patient wife, Tomi Jill Folk we have written over 20 books ranging from writing specifically for for senior citizens to children’s books. Much of their writing involves the field of therapeutic gardening and hunger issues. They have also authored several collections of short stories.

From 1999 through 2002 Tomi and I worked with Walt Disney World to design and staff a horticultural therapy showcase called The Opportunity Garden during the annual six week EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival. We also spoke on the subject four days each of the six weeks. This experience led to the creation of “Gardens for the Senses, Gardening as Therapy” Recently this book was revised and expanded edition http://amazon.com/dp/1484909569 continues to be our best selling title.

We have had the opportunity to work with Miho Komatsu, a gifted artist, in the creation of “Miracle of the Moringa Tree,” http://amazon.com/dp/1460949234 a children’s book that shows how the nutritious leaves of this tree can save lives in some of the most difficult parts of the world and how the seeds can be used to provide safe drinking water. Tomi and I was working with Miho to produce “The Children’s Peace Garden,” to be released in August 2014. All of our books are available on Amazon.com and many are available in Kindle format.

The ideas, thoughts and comments of readers are important to a writer. I welcome the opportunity to communicating with and learning from you.