Based on a 2019 community survey, Extension leaders identified substance use disorder as one of the most pressing issues in Morgan County.  Families, workplaces, and court services have been negatively impacted by this condition – hampering community and economic growth for the county.  

 Support for recovery efforts is crucial if this trend is to be reversed.  Therapeutic horticulture is a proven practice to help persons with substance use disorder achieve their treatment goals.  To support this endeavor, the Morgan County ANR agent and EFNEP assistant teamed together to implement a ten-week gardening and nutritional program at a new facility.  The resulting Recovery Garden includes raised beds, container gardens, bird houses, and fruit plantings installed and maintained by the residents.  

 Comments from participants indicated increased self-confidence, lower levels of anxiety, and reconnecting to positive childhood memories gardening with family elders.  Examples of these comments include:

 “There is something about digging in the garden that helps me forget the bad stuff.”

 “I’ve been a carpenter for 20 years, using drugs for 15 years –building this birdhouse is the first time I have seen the beauty of wood sober in a long time.  Your program helps keep both my head and hands busy.”

 “Thank you for helping me remember some of the good things about growing up – my grandmother showing me stuff in the garden and fixing me good food.” 

“I have learned a lot about growing stuff - these little plants need a lot of care – I am nicer to them than I am myself sometimes…. I am learning though that we all need some caring for.”