Garden Programs | Sunflower Hill

Hands-On Garden Groups

Our in-person, Hands-On Garden Groups meet weekly at the Sunflower Hill Garden. The program, which is open to adult day and adult-in-transition programs and individuals throughout the year, offers person-centered programming for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, providing opportunities to learn, explore, and engage in new and supportive ways. Led by knowledgeable staff with a passion for both people and plants, curriculum addresses educational, therapeutic, and life-skill topics to cultivate important independent living skills. Hands-On groups are uniquely designed to honor all ability levels.

Hands-On Garden Group participants learn about work imperative to keeping a garden growing, tools and skills employed in such work, and enjoy extended time participating in field tasks practicing what they have learned. Participants explore tasting new and healthy foods, and engaging in the natural setting.

2026 Fall Hands-On Garden Group Registration

Fall Hands-On Garden Group Registration Now Open

Join us for a fun and interactive fall time in the garden! Sunflower Hill’s Hands-On Garden Program offers engaging outdoor activities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to enjoy alongside their support staff. Each session includes gardening tasks like planting and harvesting, garden-themed crafts, sensory exploration, and a yummy treat to end our session – all tailored to promote connection, creativity, and community.

The session will run every Thursday from 1:00 to 2:30 PM, beginning September 17 through November 19.

Session Dates (10 total sessions)

September 17, 24
October 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
November 5, 12, 19

Each participant may attend with a parent, caregiver, or support staff member who should plan to remain onsite and actively participate as needed. Only the participant needs to register, not the accompanying support person.

Program Pricing

Cost is $25 per visit. Participants can expect to attend 10 sessions in the fall for a total cost of $250. Registration and payment are required for the entire session, and refunds are not available for missed sessions. Depending on a participant’s Individual Program Plan (IPP), families may be eligible for reimbursement through the Regional Center. (Our goal is to provide accessible programs. If the cost of our Hands-On Garden Group program is prohibitive, please email [email protected]. We will assess each request on a case-by-case basis.)

Important Information:

All participants must attend with a parent, caregiver, or support staff.
Only the participant needs to register.
All participants must wear closed toed shoes and appropriate clothing to attend the garden. Please bring your own hat and sunblock for sun protection. We ask that participants bring their own refillable water bottle.
Programs are held outdoors at our Sunflower Hill Garden. In cases of extreme heat or rain, we may relocate to our indoor space at Irby Ranch in Pleasanton. We now have added shade structures and access to electricity to better support participants during rainy or warm weather.

Our address is 455 Olivina Avenue Livermore CA 94550. Please be sure that both participant and support staff fill out our liability waiver.

Sunflower Hill Garden

The Sunflower Hill Garden produces thousands of pounds of fresh, organic produce each year, which is planted and harvested by our program participants. More than 90% of our produce is donated to local nonprofits. We also provide a weekly donation of 30 flower bouquets for Hope Hospice patients. The remainder is donated to our program participants and volunteers as well as sold at our Harvest Stand (seasonally).