The Wildflower School of Life
cultivating hope
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Mental illness is at epidemic levels in Canada. Without an intervention young adults with mental illness are at significantly higher risk of substance abuse, unemployment, hospitalization, homelessness and incarceration. Worst of all suicide is now the second leading cause of death for young adults in Canada because when they are in the despair of a mental health crisis, tragically taking their own life can seem like the only way out.
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How did we get here?​​​​
The Struggle to Survive: 'Orchid' vs 'Dandelion' Children
Figuring out the answer to this question can often feel like trying to solve a metaphorical jigsaw puzzle with thousands of complicated pieces.
In his book The Orchid and the Dandelion: Why Some Children Struggle and How All Can Thrive, Dr. Thomas Boyce uses a metaphor comparing these two flowers to explain why some children develop mental illness and may eventually turn to addiction as a solution.
We are all familiar with the yellow flower known as the dandelion, many people consider them weeds because they have the capacity to thrive in any type of environmental conditions, they can even grow in a crack in concrete. Eighty percent of our offspring appear to be ‘dandelion children’ — biologically resilient because their genes protect them from environmental assault.
The remaining twenty percent are ‘orchid children’, those who are struggling to merely survive. Rare and beautiful, orchid children are societies ‘super feelers’ because they experience emotions more intensely than others.
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Because of their genetic disposition, orchid children are exquisitely sensitive to their environments and require very specific conditions to thrive. Without this they are susceptible to developing a debilitating mental illness such as depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, and concurrent addictive disorders. ​​​​​​
Cracks Are Where the Light Gets In
Orchid children are vulnerable, however in his book Dr. Boyce says that “the extraordinary, biologically embedded sensitivities that render such children so unduly susceptible to the hazards and adversities of life, also make them more receptive to the gifts and promises of life.”
In other words, because their super sensitivity makes them unusually responsive to their environment, orchid children are also amazingly successful when exposed to nurturing environments.
Within this juxtaposition lies an intriguing, and life-giving, secret: within the frailty of an orchid child lies hidden capacities for lives of extraordinary beauty, honesty and notable achievement that can surpass the accomplishments of the dandelion child. Without super feelers there would be no artists, deep thinkers or people working in healing professions.​
From Surviving to Thriving
Introducing the Wildflower School of Life, where we will embrace the healing power of horticultural therapy.
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Why a wildflower? Because they combine the delicate beauty of an orchid with the tenacity of a dandelion which allows them to thrive in a variety of environments.
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Our program is designed to support young adults on their recovery journey, equipping them with essential tools for personal growth enabling them to move from merely surviving life, to truly thriving. Join us as we cultivate not just plants, but a brighter future for our communities.
Becoming By Belonging
Mental health experts agree that programs offering clinical care, social bonding, and skill development opportunities within a rural, non-institutional setting profoundly improves the lives of young adults struggling with mental illness and those in recovery from addiction.
The Wildflower School of Life will operate as a communal farming day program for young adults between the ages of 18-35 who need a supportive community while they navigate their healing journey. It would draw from successful programs already in practice such as Bridewell Gardens located in the English countryside.
Since its formation in 1994, Bridewell’s day program supports adults — called ‘gardeners’ — recover from serious mental ill health and addiction. The success of this model is founded on something known as 'becoming by belonging', where people with shared life experiences are brought together in a caring community creating a non-judgmental work environment. ​​​​​
Hope Grows
The Wildflower School of Life will help our super feelers rebuild what was torn down by mental illness and addiction, and cultivate well-being and resilience by following the best practices established by horticultural therapeutic programs already in existence. ​​​​​
Improving outcomes for people who access Bridewell’s recovery service is a key strategic priority. At Bridewell, gardeners rebuild their lives by identifying their strengths and are supported as they work towards identifying active roles they can play in their community. Service users attend the program for 1-2 years, and in 2023 36% of gardeners leaving Bridewell moved on to paid and voluntary employment, and an additional 28% moved on in a planned way with social support or other regular activities in place.
Testimonials from Bridewell Gardeners
“I’m not good at socializing with others, but as time went on I began to feel part of a group. We all had our struggles and for me knowing I was not on my own anymore helped.”
“Bridewell is my reason to get up in the morning. It is the cornerstone to my week — without it I would be lost. It is a place where I can express myself and feel more normal.”
“Bridewell has been the most amazing community to be part of. I enjoyed working amongst a diverse group of people I might not have ever normally got to meet. They’re all really good people who have had a hard time but are pushing through it in a very brave way.”