HT Program

- History of the Prince William County - Community Service Board -
- Horticultural Therapy Program -

In May of 2000, the "PWC, CSB," approved the startup of a full-time HT Program for individuals with serious mental illness, including mental retardation. The mission of the HT program is to provide horticulture experiences and horticulture-related activities to our participants. These experiences and activities are used as a vehicle to enable the participants
to work toward and reach goals they have set for themselves.

An important objective of our program is to better educate the community regarding mental illness and mental retardation. This is accomplished through presentations by the horticultural therapist, visits by individuals and groups who volunteer at the site, and various community activities that are attended by participants.

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- History of Grayson Gardens -

Grayson Gardens was named for our first U.S. Senator from Virginia, William Grayson, who was one of Prince William County's most illustrious citizens. He was born at the family plantation, Belle Air Estate (now known as Grayson Gardens) in 1736, the son of
Benjamin Grayson, one of the first Scot's merchants on the Quantico Creek.
William's mother was Susannah Monroe. Her brother Spence Monroe,
was the father of James Monroe. Grayson studied in England, but returned to America
in 1756 to practice law in Dumfries, where he also resided.

At the start of the American Revolution, William Grayson became the captain of the Continental Regiment he formed in PWC and was a military officer acting as an assistant to George Washington. After the Revolution, Grayson returned to Dumfries.

He was a member of the Virginia Legislature and of the Continental Congress. William Grayson and Richard Henry Lee were Virginia's first elected senators. Grayson died in 1790 and is buried at Belle Air (Grayson Gardens).

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- Grayson Gardens as a Therapeutic Environment -

Grayson Gardens has been laid out to be therapeutic in nature by a professional landscape designer. He has incorporated areas of physical, personal, social, and lifeline spaces within the five acres.

Raised vegetable beds and bulb gardens have been completed in the physical area and the perennial bed and herb garden are underway.
A greenhouse, potting shed and storage building are planned for the physical area.
Am arbor will span from the physical to personal areas, connecting these spaces.
A wildflower meadow and butterfly garden will be a part if the personal area where participants may rest, contemplate, or explore.
A memory garden will be included in the personal area that is the site of Senator Grayson's grave. A 10th generation Grayson (Leigh Grayson Havle) will help develop this garden and others aspects of the program as we honor the deep historic roots of the property.
The social space of the property incorporates the entrance to Grayson Gardens where folks connect to the community. In this space, we hope the develop a pond and waterfall - the water lilies and fish will provide our participants opportunities for caring and responsibility.

The lifeline includes the parking area to the house which shows the connection between staff and the participants in the HT Program.

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For more information about our programs, please contact us at :
info@goodshepherdhousing.org or call: 703-730-1078

Please send your tax-deductible donations to:
GOOD SHEPHERD HOUSING FOUNDATION
P.O. BOX 4428, WOODBRIDGE, VIRGINIA 22194

United Way givers please use our United Way number 8479
THANK YOU!

Good Shepherd Housing Foundation and you, working together making
Prince William County a great place to call home for all of its citizens!

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