Where Big Things Are Nurtured By Small Things      		               
         To create a horticultural therapy moment
    that enhances the Special Olympics experience
    for participating athletes via caring volunteers,
    touching soil and repotting a plant to take home
    and nurture. 
       About Pot-A-Plant   How to "Pot-A-Plant"   General Email                   State/Province Affiliates 
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       It’s all about human interaction.
  
Being a Pot-A-Plant volunteer takes no special
skills or knowledge … just an interest in making a memory.
    Before you begin your task, you will receive a verbal orientation as to what your actions and roles are.
 
    Below is an outline of this brief training.
 
    Most crucial is to remember you are there as a guide;  the Olympians are to do the work when able.

    Each customer has different skills and needs, so you have to use your judgment on how much
    physical help they need.

    TOOLS … The components of the Pot-A-Plant “kit” are: 2” plant, empty 4” pot, plastic saucer, potting
    soil, cup of water, plastic bag, and labeled paper bag.

    METHOD …  View a short demonstration       Click Here  
    (a) Place an empty 4” pot on top of the soil in the plastic liner.

    (b) Help the Olympian select the plant of their choice.

    (c) Instruct the Olympian on what he/she is going to do; engage him/her in conversation.

    (d) Have the Olympian place a small amount of soil into the empty pot, filling to about 1/3.

    (e) Hand the selected plant to the Olympian and have him/her gently squeeze the pot to loosen the
    soil and roots.

    (f) Hold the loosened pot and have the Olympian gently remove the plant and place it in the center
    of the new pot.

    (g) Hold the plant in place while the Olympian fills the pot with soil, packing it down gently.

    (h) Hand the Olympian a cup of water and have him/her pour it onto the soil.

    (i) Place the finished product in a plastic bag to control any water drips.

    (j) Place the plant and plastic bag into the appropriately labeled paper bag and show the Olympian
    the plant name and care instructions printed on the bag label.

       It’s that simple … but very meaningful. In a small way, it is horticultural therapy in action!