05/02/2026
๐ก๐๐๐ฆ ๐๐ผ๐บ๐บ๐๐ป๐ถ๐๐ ๐๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ฑ๐ฒ๐ป๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐๐ฟ๐ผ๐๐ฝ
๐ฅ๐ผ๐ผ๐๐ ๐๐ผ ๐ฅ๐ฒ๐ฐ๐ผ๐๐ฒ๐ฟ๐
๐ง๐ต๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ฎ๐ฝ๐ฒ๐๐๐ถ๐ฐ ๐๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ฑ๐ฒ๐ป๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐ฃ๐ฟ๐ผ๐ด๐ฟ๐ฎ๐บ ๐ณ๐ผ๐ฟ ๐ ๐ฒ๐ป๐๐ฎ๐น ๐๐ฒ๐ฎ๐น๐๐ต ๐ฅ๐ฒ๐ฐ๐ผ๐๐ฒ๐ฟ๐
๐ข๐๐ฒ๐ฟ๐๐ถ๐ฒ๐:
Roots to Recovery is a 10-week therapeutic gardening program designed for adults in their mental health recovery journey. Through hands-on horticultural activities, participants develop practical skills, build social connections, and improve mental wellbeing in a supportive outdoor environment.
๐๐ฒ๐๐ฎ๐ถ๐น๐:
Duration: 10 consecutive weekly sessions
When: Fridays, 10:30AM-2:30PM
Where: Avondale Heights Community Garden, Rear 2/22 River Drive, Avondale Heights VIC 3034
Group Size: 6 participants maximum (3:1 support)
Facilitation: Mike Bird (Program Facilitator) together with a mental health recovery coach for extra support
๐ข๐ฏ๐ท๐ฒ๐ฐ๐๐ถ๐๐ฒ๐:
โข Build practical life skills through horticultural activities including planting, nurturing, harvesting, and food preparation
โข Improve mental health and wellbeing through therapeutic engagement with nature, physical activity, and meaningful occupation
Strengthen community participation by developing social skills, building supportive peer relationships, and connecting with the broader community garden network.
๐๐ฒ๐ฎ๐๐๐ฟ๐ฒ๐:
โข All materials, tools, and equipment provided
โข Visual educational handouts provided for each session (accessible, simple language)
โข Rainy day alternative activities including microgreens, native bee habitats, and herbal crafts
โข Participants take home produce they've grown (where possible)
โข Small group environment for personalised support
โข Culturally responsive and inclusive programming
๐ญ๐ฌ-๐ช๐ฒ๐ฒ๐ธ ๐ฃ๐ฟ๐ผ๐ด๐ฟ๐ฎ๐บ ๐ฆ๐๐ฟ๐๐ฐ๐๐๐ฟ๐ฒ
๐๐ฆ๐ฆ๐ฌ 1:
Garden Orientation & Welcome Introduction to the garden space, safety protocols, & group formation. Participants tour the plots, learn about tools, and begin building connections with each other and the environment.
๐๐ฆ๐ฆ๐ฌ 2:
Seed Starting Learning seed propagation techniques. Participants plant seeds in trays, understanding germination requirements and the early stages of plant life while developing fine motor skills and patience.
๐๐ฆ๐ฆ๐ฌ 3:
Building Garden Structures & Transplanting Constructing trellises, stakes, and garden supports. Participants work collaboratively on physical tasks, transplant seedlings, and learn about plant spacing and structural requirements.
๐๐ฆ๐ฆ๐ฌ 4:
Composting & Soil Health Understanding the composting process and soil ecology. Participants build or maintain compost bays, learn about nutrient cycles, and connect waste reduction to environmental stewardship.
๐๐ฆ๐ฆ๐ฌ 5:
Mid-Program
Review & Maintenance Individual check-ins with participants to review progress and goals. Focus on garden maintenance tasks, weeding, mulching, and caring for established plants.
๐๐ฆ๐ฆ๐ฌ 6:
Seasonal Planting Planting seasonal vegetables appropriate to Melbourne's climate. Participants learn about crop rotation, companion planting, and seasonal gardening practices.
๐๐ฆ๐ฆ๐ฌ 7:
Herb Harvesting & Preserving Harvesting herbs and learning preservation techniques. Participants create herb bundles, make herb-infused products, and understand value-added food production.
๐๐ฆ๐ฆ๐ฌ 8:
Pest Management & Problem-Solving Organic pest control methods and identifying common garden problems. Participants develop observation skills and learn natural, chemical-free problem-solving approaches.
๐๐ฆ๐ฆ๐ฌ 9:
Harvest & Food Preparation Major harvest of produce and shared food preparation activities. Participants celebrate their growing success, learn simple cooking techniques, and share meals together.
๐๐ฆ๐ฆ๐ฌ 10:
Celebration & Reflection Final harvest celebration and programme evaluation. Participants reflect on their journey, share achievements, complete feedback questionnaires, and plan for future garden involvement.
Contact admin@recoverysupports.com.au to register your interest.
