Our Origin Story
Before the first garden was ever designed, the founder spent five years in the childhood sector, studying developmental psychology and human growth. This background provided a deep understanding of how physical environments can either overwhelm a person or offer the sanctuary needed to bloom. In 2019, this work was recognized with the
Children’s Innovation Award in collaboration with the YMCA for the creation of ‘Tea Gardens’—intentional, child-centered gardens designed for mindfulness and child-led tea ceremonies.
The shift from the classroom to the garden was a natural evolution. While seeking ways to support her son’s neuro-developmental needs, the founder turned to the earth as a primary tool for connection and calm. She watched as the quiet rhythm of the seasons helped her family feel grounded and steady, but she also noticed a significant gap in the market. While the science of nature’s healing power was undeniable, there were very few resources available to help people with disabilities or specific wellness needs access these benefits in their own homes.
The Foundation of Open Hands Horticulture
Determined to fill this gap, the founder completed two years of horticultural study and began an extensive investigation into Nature-Based Interventions (NBI). By looking at breaking research in Europe and Asia—fields such as Forest Therapy, Blue Space Interventions, and Horticultural Therapy—she developed a practice that is as scientifically rigorous as it is heartfelt.
Our Mission Today
Today, Open Hands Horticulture is a synthesis of that professional training and lived experience. As a mobile business serving Canberra and its surrounds, the founder is on a mission to bring "Gardens with a Purpose" to the front door of those who need them most—ensuring that the healing power of nature is inclusive, accessible, and within reach for everyone.