What is Horticultural Therapy?

Horticultural Therapy (HT) has been around for a long time. The American Therapy Association defines it as a medical discipline which uses gardening activities as therapy and rehabilitation.

There are many groups that find this type of therapy beneficial. People with physical or mental disabilities, elderly, substance abuse, and the socially disadvantaged are a few such groups.

Many people have found horticulture and other land-based activities generally pleasant, beneficial, and relaxing for centuries. There are records which date back to 200 AD. These records were written by medics who were studying digging, fishing, ploughing, and other outdoor activities as methods of treatment.

In 1879, the first known greenhouse for use with those with mental illnesses was built by Pennsylvania's Friends Asylum for the Insane. Today this facility is known as Friends Hospital

HT was widely used in hospitals in the 1940's to rehabilitate war veterans. They found that it helped the veterans socially, psychologically, and physically. Volunteers from garden clubs brought the joys and benefits of gardening to thousands of patients.

By 1955, the use of plants for therapy and rehabilitation was becoming so important that Michigan State University began the first undergraduate degree in horticultural therapy. The first graduate curriculum was established at Kansas State University in 1971.

Today, HT is used in almost every type of medical and social service. Schools, hospitals, correction facilities, youth at risk programs, and even vocational programs us it.

HT uses plants and the natural world to achieve miraculous results. If you are someone who enjoys working with plants, you've no doubt realized it for yourself. Somehow, gardening fulfills some basic human need that we all posses.

Benefits of Horticultural Therapy

Social Benefits

• Participants learn new skills and vocabulary
• Increase attention span and concentration
• Gain independence
• Improve their ability to follow instructions and solve problems
• Make new friends
• Improve their ability to cooperate and share as a group

• Increased strength and range of motion using fine and gross motor skills
• Many opportunities to go outside and exercise and relax in a garden setting

• Help meet the nurturing needs of participants through the caring for other living things (plants)
• Encourages self-esteen, creativity, and responsibility
• Decreases stress, anger, and aggressiveness