As an instructional outdoor space, the Sunflower Hill Garden is a medium for educational, therapeutic, and life skills training; offering adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities opportunities to thrive.
Our multi-disciplinary programs and activities are designed for adults with special needs (intellectual and/or developmental disabilities including autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, and other chromosomal abnormalities). Led by our knowledgeable and dedicated Garden staff, the curriculum is specially designed to offer unique experiences for individuals of all abilities.
Our in-person, Hands-On Garden Groups meet weekly and bi-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.
If you are a representative with an adult day or adult-in-transition program and interested in being notified of our upcoming program dates, please submit a request.
Join us for our Summer Hands-On Garden Group Program!
This summer, we’re offering a 10 and 11-week Hands-On Garden Group on Wednesday and Thursday mornings from 9 – 10:30 AM. Registration is initially open to six pairs (one participant and one parent/caregiver/support staff) per day. Each parent, caregiver, or support staff should plan to attend and fully participate in each class, supporting the participant as needed.
Only the participant needs to register — not the parent, caregiver, or support staff.
Our summer session runs from June 4 through August 28, with no programs on June 19 and no programs during the weeks of July 14–18 and July 21–25.
More spots may be added after our initial registration period, depending on availability.
Wednesdays – 11 sessions ($165)
9 – 10:30 AM
June 4, 11, 18, 25
July 2, 9, 30,
August 6, 13, 20, 27
No programs on July 16 or July 23.
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Thursdays – 10 sessions ($150)
9 – 10:30 AM
June 5, 12, 26
July 3, 10, 31
August 7, 14, 21, 28
No programs on June 19, July 17, or July 24.
*Our goal is to provide accessible programs. If the cost of our Hands-On Garden Group program is prohibitive, please contact us. We will assess each request on a case-by-case basis.
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).
Located at Hagemann Ranch in Livermore, CA, the Sunflower Hill Garden was co-founded by Christina Bogert and Lynn Monica and broke ground in 2015 with the mission to provide educational and vocational horticulture opportunities for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Contact us to learn how you can volunteer in the Garden.
Sunflower Hill Garden
455 Olivina Ave.
Livermore, CA 94550
