THERAPEUTIC TOOLKIT
Essential materials to encourage creativity and play
We put this page together to give you some tips and thoughts on how to use your gardento encourage a more relaxing and de-stressing environment. It covers the basics but we
hope that you find it helpful.
The main sections below are on Gardening, Arts & Crafts, Literature, Multi-sensory Supports
Grounding Techniques and Working Indoors.
GARDENING

Here are some key pointers to think about in the garden:
Tools that are smaller and lighter than standard tools
Soil alternatives that are easier and lighter to handle - coir, coir pellets, rock wool
Different size watering vessels add interest and are easier to use – old tea pots, funnels, long hose sprays, NUCAN watering can
SOS area for plants that need extra TLC
Seasonal seeds and plants that have relevance to your client group and/or geographical area
ARTS & CRAFTS

There are many ideas for bringing arts & crafts into the garden, including:
Botanical drawing using water colour paper and water colour pencils, Khadi cotton paper, age appropriate easy grip crayons/chalks
Floral pick me ups – flower cones, lavender, rosemary bags
Floral stickers
Play Doh – for making plants and flowers
Flower colouring books
LITERATURE

Various forms of literature and poetry are great ways to connect us to nature:
Garden poetry - easy read
Wildlife picture books
Botanical colouring books
Gardening history
Artists in the garden
MULTI SENSORY COMMUNICATION SUPPORTS

Consider using a variety of multi sensory materials, such as:
Objects of reference - felt flowers, soft wildlife toys, artificial flowers
Simplified pictures, photos and symbols
Communication boards and diaries
GROUNDING TECHNIQUES

Using the senses to de-stress outdoors:
Go for a walk
Weeding
Sowing seeds
Mixing compost
Planting bulbs or plants
Collect interesting stones, sticks & pebbles
Pick strong smelling herbs and seeds
INDOORS

There are lots of rewarding and relaxing activities that can be carried out indoors:
Make herbal teas or tonics
Make hand scrubs and hand lotions
Compost mixing
Sow seeds
Plant bulbs
Clean indoor plant leaves