Alvin M Jackson Horticultural Conservato

The conservatory is a three-story-high, double-pane glass and steel building featuring an outdoor courtyard. Birds, a parrot, turtles, and fish are the permanent residents of the center. Horticulture therapy had its origins in the First World War to treat and reeducate disabled soldiers, & psychiatric activities. During World War II, Carl Menninger led the movement through theVeterans Administration Hospital System. In another hospital setting, those patients who had no money to pay for the hospitalization were expected to help with the gardening and other outside activities. It was observed that people who were working outside became better in a shorter time period, so a program of horticulture for rehabilitation was developed with emphasis on functional activities and vegetable gardening.