Newsletter - April 2024

At the heart of our mission at the McCauley Foundation lies a commitment to pioneering sustainable solutions to the global challenges of food insecurities and deserts through the innovative use of vertical gardens. As we continue to nurture this vision, we draw inspiration from the profound intersections of human well-being and horticulture.



Recent insights from the American Horticultural Therapy Association (AHTA) highlight the remarkable benefits of integrating plant-based environments into our lives. The concept of horticultural therapy and therapeutic gardens, where the act of gardening serves not just as a pastime but as a potent therapeutic tool, resonates deeply with our foundation's goals.

A Bridge to Healing and Sustainability

Horticultural therapy, as defined by the AHTA, emphasizes the therapeutic engagement between a client and plant-related activities, aimed at achieving specific health outcomes. This approach is mirrored in our work, where we see every seed planted in our vertical gardens as a step towards both personal and ecological recovery.

Similarly, therapeutic gardens—spaces designed to support health through interaction with the plant world—illustrate the seamless integration of function and beauty, principles that guide our design of vertical gardens. These green spaces are not only about food production; they're about creating sanctuaries that foster community well-being and resilience.

Our Work in Action: Sowing Seeds of Change

Our projects across various communities worldwide are testament to the power of green spaces in revitalizing both land and spirit. By adopting the principles of therapeutic horticulture, we've witnessed firsthand the cognitive, psychological, social, and physical benefits that gardening can bring. Improved quality of life, increased self-esteem, stress reduction, and enhanced community integration are just a few of the transformative impacts noted by the AHTA, which echo in the lives of those we serve.

We're not just fighting food insecurity; we're cultivating environments that heal, unite, and empower. Each vertical garden we establish serves as a beacon of hope, demonstrating that sustainability and well-being go hand in hand.