CULTIVATING COMMUNITY

PROMISE IN BREVARD’S THERAPEUTIC GARDEN

At Promise in Brevard, an IDD community serving residents with special needs, gardening has grown into much more than planting vegetables—it has become a Therapeutic Garden program designed to promote wellness, reduce stress, and provide meaningful, hands-on engagement through nature.

Under the leadership of Sandy Coleman, who joined the Promise in Brevard’s Resident Community Program in January 2026, residents meet weekly to grow green beans, basil, okra, peppers, cucumbers, tomatoes, rosemary, succulents, lavender, and more. A Master Gardener and parent of a resident, Sandy has helped shape the garden into a structured, sensory-rich environment that supports learning, independence, and overall well-being.

Seven residents completed the UF Extension “Roots to Work” horticulture training program and now mentor others in the garden club. To support the program, residents sell handmade and homegrown items year-round. The art department paints pots, the woodworking group builds birdhouses and benches, and a local antique shop in Fort Pierce provides space to sell plants and crafts. The program also hosted a successful Mother’s Day succulent sale.

The Therapeutic Garden continues to expand with accessible raised container beds for residents who use wheelchairs or prefer to garden while standing, as well as plans for a butterfly garden and fruit tree area. Sustainability is also a priority, with an onsite well and pump system eliminating the need for city water.

Through this Therapeutic Garden, residents are not only growing plants—they are building skills, confidence, and a stronger connection to community.