Atlanta philanthropist and gardener Virginia Almand helped Skyland Trail’s clients enjoy a successful day at February's Southeastern Flower Show, which was held February 4-6 at the Cobb Galleria. Two Skyland Trail entries took home honors in the forced bulbs division, including a blue ribbon for “Best in Show” and Tulip Bulbs. Congrats to Heath K. and Kathleen T.!
Almand, who serves as a judge for similar shows around the country, has been volunteering in the Skyland Trail greenhouse for the past 10 years. Her guidance in forcing bulbs during the winter months has provided a soothing outlet for many clients, and Skyland Trail horticultural therapist Libba Shortridge said forcing bulbs has become a metaphor of sorts for clients as they learn to manage their mental illnesses.
“We always take advantage of the recovery metaphor of the bulb,” she said. “Energy and beauty are stored within the bulb, and that beauty is released at an opportune moment. We can all relate to seeing that growth as individuals, and many of our clients have been inspired by the evolution they facilitate in these flowers.”
Horticulture therapy is a popular aspect of Skyland Trail’s adjunctive therapy program, which also includes woodworking, arts, recreation, and music therapies. These programs are intertwined with more traditional therapies to give Skyland Trail clients a holistic continuum of treatment options. The adjunctive therapies combine with a vocational program to give clients skills that can be useful in day-to-day life when they discharge from the facility and return to their lives and communities.
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