No thoroughly occupied man was ever yet very miserable.
~L.F.Landon
Time spent in the cultivation of the fields passes very pleasantly
~ Ovis
To cultivate
a garden is to walk with God.
~ C.N. Bovee
At Amy’s Farm ,
Allison Apgar, Life Coach, has developed a program that utilizes gardening and the natural environment to promote health and harmony,
restoration and healing.
The healing benefits of this program include:
Pain relief. The stabilization that horticultural activities provide can be a useful distraction technique.
Feelings of accomplishment. Through horticultural activies, people find a way of taking action with positive results. This program gives the client a caregiving task which leads to confidence and a renewed sense of purpose.
Feelings of hope.The miracle of life can be seen through caring for animals and planting seeds and watching them grow.
Everyone and individuals with special needs can have the following experience through the process of healing.
Improved muscle tone, flexibility, and cardiopulmonary capability
Stress reduction
Social interaction
Motor skill development
Creativity and self-expression
Enhanced self-esteem and improved mood
Through the Life Coaching Program, physical , mental, social, and creative abilities are achieved through hort-cultural activities. The cycles of life are easily viewed on the farm. The ever present processes of renewal provide encouragement to those who suffer..
Clients for whom this program will be beneficial include people who need a break from the stresses of everyday life. It has also been proven to be beneficial to the elderly, those who experience depression, those who are physically or developmentally disabled, and those with substance dependencies. Some clients feel a reversal of helplessness when they gain a sense of confidence and mastery over themselves and their environment through the participation of meaningful activities. Becoming part of a program with a "hands-on" connection with nature, caring for plants, gardens, and animals, has a nurturing and therapeutic effect on our spirits. By fostering the developing form of nature the individual brings about a personal renewed sense of self. Looking ahead to the future is extremely important to a healthy, positive mental state. Transforming the feelings of being lost in isolation to becoming rooted and grounded in the safety of the natural environment is one of the main goals of the program.
The program includes 1 hour sessions for individuals, couples, or groups in the following activities:
Gardening Design and plant his or her own garden plot with vegetables, herbs, and flowers. Learn about companion planting. A repeating client may choose to maintain their garden.
Harvesting Gather seasonal fruits, vegetables, and herbs to be used for your own enjoyment or donate pickings to the charities that Amy's Farm supports.
Cut Floweres Hand paint vases and cut flowers for arrangements to take home and enjoy or to share with those in need.
Herb Harvesting Taste, touch, and smell herbs. Create potporri to take home.
Animal Interaction Hold baby chicks, pet baby rabbits, brush goats, groom horses, feed bottles to baby cows, pick vegetables to feed the pigs and chickens. Collect fresh eggs to take home.
Rest and Relax If desired, clients may come and simply enjoy a respite from the noise and hurry of their daily lives.
