Newfield Horticultural Therapy Resource

Promoting Health Through Horticulture

Horticultural therapy is not new. Connecting people to nature has been used since ancient times to promote health. Today, horticultural therapy is provided through social, therapeutic and vocational programs in a variety of settings, including hospitals, long-term care facilities, residential facilities, schools, senior centers, youth centers and community gardens. Horticultural therapists use the cultivation of plants, gardening activities and closeness to nature as tools to improve individual, family and community health.

Horticultural therapy goals are matched to participants’ goals, skills and abilities. Goals may include:

Increased socialization Improved self-esteem and self-confidence Improved self-expression and creativity Improved communication and decision-making skills Improved problem-solving and coping skills

Increased sensory awareness Improved orientation and memory Increased attention and ability to follow directions Improved coordination, strength, mobility and balance Recreational opportunity Enhanced work skills

Who benefits from horticultural therapy? Any individual, family or community desiring health and an improved quality of life can benefit from access to horticultural therapy and customized gardening activities. Others who benefit from horticultural therapy programs include:

• People with, or at risk for, chronic illness
• People with, or at risk for, disabilities
• People with, or at risk for, substance abuse or behavioral health problems
• Caregivers
• Organizations and staff serving special populations
• Individuals needing vocational skills
• Employers in the horticultural field