Community gardens have been found to contribute to a number
of health, social and ecological benefits. Revitalizing the MRU
community garden, which has been underutilized in the summer
session at the university, to include neighboring seniors and
community volunteers was seen by a group of interdisciplinary
researchers as one way to revitalize individual and community health.
Guided by eco-health and permaculture principles, a participatory
action research project was undertaken to explore an inclusive group
horticultural therapy program for neighboring seniors groups and
community volunteers. Specifically, experiences of inclusion in the
garden as well as barriers and benefits to participation were studied
during the 2015 project
