(Pictured left to right): Donna N. Arabian, a horticultural consultant, and AnnMarie DiFrancesca, Winthrop's Director of the Child Life Program. Winthrop-University Hospital has established a creative gardening therapy program for hospitalized children in the Pediatric Inpatient Center.

"Horticultural therapy is a calming, soothing mastery experience ideal for hospitalized children," explained Donna N. Arabian, a horticultural consultant who provides therapy in healthcare facilities. "Patients enjoy participating in gardening projects to enhance their environment, and the activities serve to normalize an often traumatic hospitalization."

With Ms. Arabian's guidance, pediatric patients have an opportunity to try their hand at a variety of projects, including:

* group planting sessions

* creating a succulent garden inside clay pots

* potting sweet potatoes, ginger or medicinal aloe vera

* seasonal projects, including potting a mother's garden of annuals

* lessons in plant propagation and flower arranging

"It's something different; something that gives the children an outlet for releasing stress," said AnnMarie DiFrancesca, Director of Winthrop's Child Life Program. "By digging and getting their hands dirty, they're not only having fun, but they take ownership of the project. More importantly, they have responsibility and control in the hospital environment."

Gardening projects are provided at the bedside or in the Winthrop's Child Life Activity Center, where children - school-age through adolescence - are able to be kids in an environment that promotes fun and relaxation.

"It leads to a more normalized situation for them," Ms. Arabian said. And that's especially true for the older patients. "The program provides good socialization so that the teens take a break from sitting in their rooms," she explained.

Parents and siblings also are encouraged to participate. "Through gardening therapy, family involvement in the planting program fosters interaction and togetherness in a non-medical setting," said Ms. Arabian.

The Horticultural Therapy Program was established with generous support from the Teens for Tots-Teen Angels Program. To offer support, and for more information, call (516) 663-2761.