What is Horticultural Therapy?

it is a form of therapy that utilizes horticulture activities to meet specific therapeutic or rehabilitative goals of its participants. Meaning, you are working with a therapist. There is a diagnosis of a mental, physical, vocational or wellness issue. Then figuring out treatment focus and then corresponding horticultural therapy strategies.

For example, two people are diagnosed with major depression. One participant’s focus is of the neglect of hygiene and impaired appetite or sleep. The second participant’s treatment of focus is going to be on self-injury or suicidal tendencies.

Both could participate in plant care activities such as watering, transplanting, washing leaves but when it comes to fertilization with chemicals, using sharp tools for cuttings and pruning that would not be safe for the second participant  for safety reasons.

Does having plants make you feel good?

Yes.

Well, what is that called?

Therapeutic Horticulture

Isn't that the same?

Not quite. Therapeutic horticulture is the process by which individuals may develop well-being using plants and horticulture.  There is a Japanese phrase called ENGEI FUKUSHI , it means “horticultural well-being”, the use of horticulture to enhance the quality of life for the benefit of all people.  Community gardens, inner city greenery sites, personal gardens, plant shops and nurseries and now social media directed to the fascination of plants and horticulture would be a part of this terminology.  

In the simplest terms, everyone interacting with plants that promotes well being is practicing Therapeutic Horticulture.  When prescribed by a therapist to include horticulture activities in your program of treatment, that is Horticultural Therapy.

Plants + People = Happy and Healthy