Culinary Herb Garden Program for Independent and Assisted Living

Tuscan Roots’ educational herb garden brings a ‘farm to fork’ concept into our community to showcase culinary talents, while integrating classes & activities for a unique resident experience.

Gardening plays an important role in the daily lives of our residents. It provides relaxation, repose and contemplation. Our residents and associates work together to socialize and enjoy the leisure skills they may have enjoyed their entire life. Some residents may have never gardened before but are now discovering that it’s something that they like to do.  Gardening provides residents with an ongoing sense of purpose and fulfilment, a program that they can take ownership of.

Handcrafted Herb Garden

• Includes fresh herbs and organic, nutrient-rich soil.
• Feature herb of the month concept for cooking demonstrations with the mobile garden.
• Residents get to participate in planting herbs. The Ethnobotany-themed garden provides cultural and educational activities, e.g., Italian parsley prompts Italian phrases, studying Italian art, and learning Italian etiquette.

Therapeutic Horticulture Program for Memory Care

Tuscan Roots’ sensory gardens provide our residents with new purpose and engage with all five senses. The elevated planter beds are located inside and outside the community providing the opportunity to grow a wide variety of plants/herbs in all types of weather.

Therapeutic Sensory Garden:

• Includes fresh herbs and organic, nutrient-rich soil.
• Residents get to participate in planting herbs.
• Organic soil, initial fragrant herbs, beautiful plants (selected by resident).

Therapeutic Horticulture Classes & Garden Maintenance

• The Signature Program Director and the Memory Care Program Director will include the Tuscan Roots’ Horticulture Program in their activity programs at least one time per week. The program can include, but not limited to:
  • Planting of new or replacement plants
  • Cultivating plants, flowers, etc for use in another activity like table center pieces or herb cuttings for spa treatments or other like activities.
  • Grow herbs and/or flowers that can be used in creating oils and soaps, which the residents can be involved in as an additional activity.
  • Develop a flower, plant or herb of the month and create programs around it. Lavender can be planted then used to make oils, aroma therapy, and even painting classes using the Lavender as a subject to paint.
  • Weekly education program on various plants, flowers, herbs.
  • Tilling the soil and removing any weeds that might have grown.