What Is Horticulture Therapy?

As more studies reveal the healing properties of the natural world, plant-based therapies have become more popular. Horticulture therapy has existed in some form for more than 4,000 years.
Many civilizations, including the Ancient Egyptians and Persians, cultivated gardens to induce a calm emotional state.

The therapeutic benefits of horticulture were first noted in the 18th century by Dr. Benjamin Rush. In his book, Medical Inquiries and Observations Upon Diseases of the Mind, he noted that patients who spent time in the garden exhibited fewer psychotic disturbances. Later research has found that soil contains bacteria that provide the same mood uplifting benefits as some antidepressants.

Horticulture therapy was eventually applied to individuals with physical ailments, including injured war veterans. Today, the approach treats behavioral, physical, and psychological conditions.

Learning to care for plants can increase an individual’s self-esteem and provide a sense of purpose. Studies have shown that growing edible plants can reduce negative behaviors in children. Horticulture therapy provides similar outcomes for people with post-traumatic stress disorder and depression. Horticulture therapy can also encourage physical activities suitable for rehabilitation.

While gardening does have some stress-relieving properties, this is distinct from therapeutic horticulture. Gardens suitable for conducting horticulture therapy are purposefully designed to create a sense of peace and security. This is achieved with walkable paths, strong boundaries, and accessible raised plant beds. Plants are selected for their color and are arranged in a visually pleasing manner.

A trained horticulture therapist or botanical specialist will lead a session. During this time, participants learn how to interact and care for the plants and can experience the garden with all of their senses.

For this reason, many therapeutic gardens include fragrant and edible plants or water features that produce calming sounds. To eliminate negative triggers or associations, therapy gardens do not contain painful or poisonous plants. Likewise, gardens used for horticultural therapy do not contain harsh chemicals like pesticides or strong fertilizers.

Therapy gardens must also be accessible regardless of age or physical ability. For this reason, every path must be level, wide, and free from obstacles. These gardens usually have a predictable and easy-to-navigate layout. This is conducive to a sense of familiarity and safety. Gardens dedicated to supporting patients with dementia and other cognitive disorders are designed to prevent spatial disorientation.

Distinct sections of the garden are defined with fencing or colorful pathways. Memory gardens, a sub-type of horticulture therapy, contain plants and features that gently trigger memories. For example, the garden may contain a replica of a building or structure that was commonplace in the past. Other important features include ample shade and resting areas. The garden must also thrive in all four seasons. This can be achieved through a mix of evergreen and annual plant varieties.

Social interaction is also an essential aspect of a horticultural therapy program. Through a shared garden, community members or residential treatment participants have the chance to work together towards a common goal. This activity can promote a sense of belonging and unity while reducing isolation amongst individuals.

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