Cindy Brookshaw, Brantford, Ontario

I started down the road to the garden path when my husband asked me to consider quitting my full time position.  This took a great deal of soul searching and deliberation.  Finally, I came to the conclusion that my own family would benefit.  I was encouraged to do something that set my heart on fire, something that I had never had the time to pursue in the past.  This led me to the Brantford Garden Club, where at my first meeting Nancy Lee-Colibaba was presenting on Horticulture Therapy.

Early in March, with the encouragement of one of the teachers, I submitted a proposal to create a horticulture program.  I initially gave the proposal to this teacher to read and to spread the word to her colleagues.  She gave it to the principal the following week.  A couple weeks passed before I had the opportunity and courage to drop by the principal’s office.  Much to my surprise he had the proposal on his desk at his fingertips!  He had obviously thoroughly reviewed the contents as he had jotted notes and questions in the margin.  He felt the proposal was well written, easily understood and he would be taking it to the next board meeting.  He presented the proposal several times.  It was well received at each meeting, however, some members required re-assurance that the horticulture program would compliment the curriculum not provide new material.  I was thrilled to receive the call that the proposal was accepted and could commence as a 12 week pilot program in September 2009.   There are already a list of individuals who are interested!