You are encouraged to attend the defence. The details of the defence and attendance information is included below: 

Date: February 5, 2025
Time: 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM (PT)

Defence mode: Hybrid
In-Person Attendance: Senate Chambers, UNBC Prince George Campus  
Virtual Attendance: via Zoom

LINK TO JOIN: Please contact the Office of Graduate Administration for information regarding remote attendance for online defences. 

To ensure the defence proceeds with no interruptions, please mute your audio and video on entry and do not inadvertently share your screen. The meeting will be locked to entry 5 minutes after it begins: please ensure you are on time.

Thesis entitled: THE EFFECTS OF INCORPORATING HYDROPONIC GARDENING IN GRIEF SUPPORT ON CHILDREN’S COPING SKILLS AND WELLBEING

Abstract: Grief is perceived as a normal reaction to loss as death is an inevitable part of life.  However, the death of a close family member or friend during childhood is not perceived as a normal part of development. Community support is a dominant resource in children’s grief support. Therefore, the activities within a support group are undoubtedly important. While increasing evidence supports the positive effects of planting/ gardening during bereavement, adopting this practice to all grief support groups may not be feasible. The Prince George Hospice Palliative Care Society (PGHPCS) is a local organization which offers a drop-in children’s grief support group for children aged six to twelve. However, the city of Prince George experiences a long and harsh winter every year, limiting the use of gardens. The indoor hydroponic garden from Just Vertical can grow herbs, vegetables, flowers, and fruit throughout the year. Indoor gardening could be a valuable addition to a children’s grief support group.

This study was developed in collaboration with PGHPCS and Just Vertical. It explored the effects of a hydroponic garden implemented in a local children’s grief support group on children’s coping skills and general well-being and the volunteers’ and children’s caregivers’ perceptions of indoor gardening in a children’s grief support group.

This study integrated a ten-week gardening activity program into the existing children’s grief support group at PGHPCS. Data were collected by a multi-method research approach, including observation, survey analysis, arts-based analysis (drawings), and semi-structured qualitative interviews. Child participants, support group volunteers, and the children’s caregivers were able to talk about their experiences and perceptions of a hydroponic garden in a local grief support group.

The participating children enjoyed the planting activities using the hydroponic garden. Four themes were developed during data analysis: We Have Something in Common, A Learning Opportunity, The Lightening-up Effect, and Safe to Talk. The relationships between participants are fostered by sharing the same interests. The spontaneous interaction and conversation induced by the gardening activities also promoted a relaxing and welcoming atmosphere in the group. The learning opportunities for the participating children included observing how plants work, taking care of them, learning to be responsible, and learning about the life cycle of living creatures. The emotional soothing effects of plants were significant to everyone who used the room where the hydroponic garden was situated. Children were observed to be able to share their feelings and ask questions about life and death, which allowed the group volunteers to recognize their unique needs and utilize different resources. 

The hydroponic garden demanded little care throughout the ten sessions, so incorporating a hydroponic garden into a local children’s grief support group is feasible. It can also create spontaneous interactions and meaningful conversations between the group facilitators and participants. Further implications may include incorporating a hydroponic garden into family groups.

Incorporating a hydroponic garden in a local children’s grief support group was a meaningful addition to the group participants, facilitators/ volunteers and room users.

Defence Committee:
Chair: Dr. Catherine Schiller, University of Northern British Columbia
Supervisor: Dr. Shannon Freeman, University of Northern British Columbia
Committee Member: Dr. Davina Banner-Lukaris, University of Northern British Columbia
Committee Member: Dr. Aderonke Agboji, University of Northern British Columbia
External Examiner: Dr. Kelly Skinner, University of Waterloo