The Garden Therapy Program, begun in the early 1950s, has provided funds for gardening activities for clients at Central State Hospital in Milledgeville, and regional psychiatric hospitals in Atlanta, Augusta, Columbus, and Savannah as well as the Veterans Hospitals and Homes in Dublin, Milledgeville, Atlanta and Decatur. It promotes the therapeutic aspects of gardening.

We are expanding this program and asking clubs to become more actively involved with GT projects at many local hospitals/nursing homes/senior centers. A garden club, group of garden clubs, council or district are asked to sponsor and fund a project with their own funds or other sources. Apply to GCG for a grant of $750 to assist with this project. Garden Therapy Grant Application.

This must be a hands-on project; clients at the hospital/nursing home must be actively involved in the therapy activity.  Garden Club members do not have to participate physically; facility staff can lead the activity. But, the garden club(s) need to provide oversite, monitor the finances and insure the project is completed as planned.

If you have questions, please contact the Garden Therapy Chairman:

Glenndolyn Hallman
770-491-7398
[email protected]

We also ask that each GCG Garden Club will donate to the state garden therapy fund to support this grant program. Garden Clubs who donate $25 or more before March 1 receive a Certificate of Appreciation. Send checks to the GCG Treasurer with this Master Donation Form found on the Financial and Administrative Forms page.

There are still many Community Service Projects that clubs can perform to help the less fortunate in our local community but these projects are no longer a part of Garden Therapy. At many facilities the staff would appreciate volunteers to come once/twice or on a regular basis to participate in activities with the clients. Holiday decorations for these facilities as well as extra treats and snacks are also welcomed.

Many clubs express their generosity with the "Fig Leaf Project" by sending socks, underwear and toiletry items throughout the year to residents who might not otherwise receive such items. Send these donation of clothing and other items to any hospitals or facilities in your local community.