Description
The plant library will visit each home area once, and following the assignment of plants, the horticulturalist/volunteer will visit with participants weekly to engage with residents and help care for their indoor plant(s). During visits, elders are encouraged to reminisce about their past life experiences with plants and express their current interest in caring for an indoor plant. The horticulturalist/volunteer will help assign plants that meet the wishes or needs of each participant; for example: “I want something I don’t need to water” could lead to providing a desert-loving succulent planter or aloe. During each visit, the horticulturalist/volunteer will engage in meaningful plant care and social interaction that lets elders feel heard.

Training / Work Condtions

Training Details: Must be available on a weekly basis and will need to train under the Horticulture Specialist for the first few visits with residents. Plant Library Visits currently occur on Tuesdays in the morning from 9:15am-11:30am, and in the afternoon from 1:00pm-3:00pm. The volunteer may then choose to continue accompanying the Horticulture Specialist or schedule their own (approved) hours to visit assigned residents.
Must be passionate about plants and have some basic knowledge in plant care. The Horticulturalist will help train the individual on how to track visits with residents on Welbi, and how to form relevant comments for the resident profile. A typical visit with each resident is approximately 5 minutes in length and includes watering the plant, checking the temperature and humidity, and noting environmental factors, such as the window being open (air movement), all while having conversation with the residents.
Working Conditions:
Accessibility: Support volunteers with special needs, Accessible work space, Support Newcomers
Transportation: On a bus route