At CoreCivic's Crowley County Correctional Facility in Olney Springs, Colorado, a unique horticulture program allows incarcerated individuals to develop skills, find purpose, and experience the therapeutic benefits of working with plants. Under the leadership of Tina Saddoris, program instructor at Crowley, this initiative blends education and hands-on training, fostering growth in both the plants and the participants who nurture them.

The program is a six-month course that runs twice yearly, from January to June and July to December. It offers two classes per day, accommodating 20 resident-students per class. Each year, 80 individuals will graduate from the program, earning a certificate of completion from Pueblo Community College and 18 transferable credits to Colorado Community College. These industry-recognized credentials provide graduates with a strong foundation in horticulture and increase their employability in the nursery and landscaping industries, sectors known for welcoming individuals looking for a second chance.

Entry into the program is competitive, with a waitlist of approximately 200 residents. Participants must have a GED, complete an interview with Saddoris, and have sufficient time on their sentence to finish the program. Once screened, applications are reviewed by the facility’s Job Board, which approves all resident job placements.

The program’s six-part syllabus is aligned with the Colorado Nurseryman Licensing requirements. A typical week in the horticulture program balances academic learning and hands-on application. Resident-students spend two to three days in bookwork covering greenhouse management, plant identification, soil science, insect and disease management, vegetable gardening, and landscape design. The remaining days are spent with their hands in the soil, where theory meets practice as resident-students nurture plants from seed to full bloom. The greenhouse, which serves as their classroom, has tables, chairs, and a television for instructional use. But most importantly, it houses a thriving collection of plants—mirroring the participants' transformation as they grow from seeds of potential into something resilient, rooted, and enduring.

Graduates who demonstrate leadership potential can apply to become paraprofessionals, assisting with instruction and mentoring. This selective role involves an application process, essays, and the ability to tutor peers. For many, the sense of responsibility and accomplishment that comes with this role is just as valuable as the knowledge they gain.

Beyond the academic and employment benefits, the program offers something just as profound: a therapeutic respite. The greenhouse is described as an oasis within the correctional facility, where participants momentarily forget their surroundings.

“Working with plants has brought a significant level of tranquility and clarity to my life,” one resident-student shared. “The greenhouse is the best part of my day and has inspired me to pursue horticulture upon reentry.”

Another remarked, “Since starting the program, I find myself better able to handle the stress that is a major part of this lifestyle. I feel a sense of purpose that keeps me focused on improving myself.”

Saddoris recognizes that while not every graduate will pursue a career in horticulture, the knowledge and skills they gain—technical and personal—will serve them in meaningful ways throughout their lives. Whether they cultivate a family garden, seek employment in the nursery industry, or simply carry forward a newfound sense of patience and growth, the program's impact extends far beyond the walls of Crowley.

Just as a seed needs time, care, and the right conditions to grow into a strong, enduring plant, these individuals cultivate resilience and purpose through their experiences in the horticulture program.