Boise garden to serve as permanent location for therapy program

A therapeutic environment to help support mental and physical health and social connection has found a permanent home in a popular Boise destination.

The Idaho Botanical Garden on Jan. 29 announced the creation of the Therapeutic Garden on its grounds, which will serve as the permanent home for the nonprofit’s Horticulture Therapy Program. The Therapeutic Garden is also a tribute to Klara K. Hansberger, a longtime community advocate who died in 2023.

The therapy program launched in October of 2025, and the garden features “accessible pathways, restorative gathering spaces, and plant collections selected for sensory engagement and therapeutic benefit,” release from IBG stated.

Cambria Health Foundation awarded a $100,000 grant to IBG which, in addition to community contributions and a private donation from the Hansberger Foundation, have made the Therapeutic Garden possible. The intention is to grow the program as a resource to health care providers, caregivers, those dealing with mental health challenges, veterans and community organizations, IBG stated.

“This Garden represents what is possible when generosity, vision and community well-being come together,” said Erin Anderson, executive director of Idaho Botanical Garden. “We are deeply grateful for the private donation honoring Klara Hansberger, which allows us to create a permanent, welcoming space dedicated to healing in nature. We are equally thankful to Cambia Health Foundation for their extraordinary support, which makes it possible to deliver high-quality, accessible horticulture therapy programming to our community.”

IBG cited research showing horticulture therapy helps reduce stress and anxiety, improves mobility and coordination, encourages social connection, and helps a person to be more resilient and purposeful.

“We’re thrilled to support programming that demonstrates the powerful connection between nature and mental wellness,” said Peggy Maguire, president of Cambia Health Foundation. “Through our partnership with Idaho Botanical Garden, nature-based healing is reaching people of all ages across the Treasure Valley. We’re proud to support this initiative to strengthen individual and community health by bringing people together in a healing space.”

The Horticulture Therapy Program is guided by trained professionals in evidence-based practice, IBG stated.

“When people thrive, communities thrive,” Anderson said. “This program and this garden embody our commitment to serving the whole community by creating space for connection, dignity and hope through the power of plants.”