Cultivating Wellness Series

Gaining Wellness through the Arboretum

Gardening and time spent in nature enhance physical and emotional wellness. We invite you to join instructor, Tracy Grandy, for these interactive sessions that encourage interaction with plants and connection to the natural world.

Learn more about Tracy:

Tracy Grandy, our Garden & Interpretive Coordinator at the Arboretum, is a long-time educator and gardener. She is a professor emeritus in psychology at Hawkeye Community College, and a practitioner of therapeutic horticulture. She began growing flowers and veggies alongside her grandmother and mother as a child and witnessed the positive impact of nature and gardening on all of their lives. Since retiring from full-time teaching, Tracy has earned a certificate in horticultural therapy and has become involved in the Herb Society of America. She enjoys facilitating classes that bring people and plants together to enhance physical and emotional wellness.

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Register for Cultivating Wellness Classes

Colorful Coleus

June 16th, 2-3 PM

Flowering plants beware! Coleus provides a stunning array of vibrant colors to brighten the garden and brighten your mood. Instructor, Tracy Grandy, will share information about this popular plant and guide participants in planting a spot of color for their own outdoor or windowsill garden.

Healing Green

July 19th, 9:30-11:30 AM
Gardening has the power to engage our senses, our mind, our body, and our sense of self. Come explore the healing power of green and discover the many ways that connecting with plants can benefit your mental and physical wellness. During this session, Tracy will lead participants in a guided sensory immersion walk through the Arboretum’s trees and gardens. Comfortable shoes recommended.

Tub Tea: Herbs and Flowers for the Bath

July 21st, 2-3 PM

Soaking in an herbal bath can be a luxurious treat, softening the skin and easing pain or stress. Tub tea bags allow you to enjoy the benefits of garden herbs and flowers in the bath without the mess. Tracy will share tub tea recipes, and participants will make their own tub tea bags from commonly grown herbs and flowers.

Thyme After Thyme

August 18th, 2-3 PM

Thyme is one of the oldest known herbs and in the language of flowers, represents courage and bravery. Thyme has a long history of medicinal use, and its fantastic flavor and fragrance make it a popular culinary herb. Plus, bees and other pollinators love it! Join Tracy to learn more about growing and using this perennial herb and sample some thyme infused treats.