garden therapy

Andover Garden Club members assist nursing home residents in creating fresh floral arrangements that the residents keep for their rooms. Each year there are four Garden Therapy Sessions: October, November, March and April.  Two sessions are held at Mary Immaculate Nursing Home in Lawrence and two are held at Bear Mountain (formerly Wingate) in Andover. Floral arrangements tie in with the month or the upcoming holiday.

AGC members prep the flowers, coach and assist some residents who want the help, and socialize.   Each session begins with a short discussion about what is going on in the outside world at this time of year, jokes, stories, or what people remember about the holiday.  We end our sessions with a sing along.  We spread a little joy, provide mental stimulation and activity - and that is our purpose.