The Healing Benefits of Horticultural Therapy

It is happening globally, not only in mental health clinics, in seniors homes, but also in prisons, and to assist with addiction recovery. What is it?

Well, it has been around for a very long time. These days the umbrella term is – Horticultural Therapy (HT), a plant based interactive therapy.

What is Horticultural therapy?

There is no denying the fact that humans have a very special relationship with the plants. Our interaction is symbiotic and copacetic, providing everything for our physical and spiritual needs.

Plants and humans have always been codependent on each other, notably, for oxygen, food, clothing in addition to positive aesthetics of gardens and terraces found in the earliest landscape gardens, such as Sigiriya Gardens, Sri Lanka, and the Botanical Garden (Orto Botanico) Padua,Italy.

H.T. takes the healing relationship humans have with plants and places it within the context of the Western healing modality where its results can be qualified and quantified for the benefit of the person.

“There is no difference between healing ourselves and healing the Earth.”

― Thich Nhat Hanh, Love Letter to the Earth

History of Horticultural Therapy

Although the term ‘Horticultural Therapy’ was coined in the 1950’s when official training in the practise began, the use of plants to assist in the well being of people has a much longer history.

In 1798, Benjamin Rush, one of the founders of the United States, also considered to be the first psychiatrist, discovered he was able to help patients recuperate with better results using horticultural activities.

Later, after both world wars, the use of horticultural therapy was expanded for use with returning veterans by occupational and physical therapists. Its use has greatly expanded with the growing appreciation for nature based healing. For example, it is used to assist the incarcerated community in Green Prison Programs in the U.S. in addition to applications with seniors and in mental health programs.

Today, due to increased scientific evidence that plants and the natural world enhance the well being of those exposed to them, social workers and healthcare professionals are using various horticultural therapy programs.

Horticultural Therapy programs

There are three types of Horticultural therapy programs:

1. Vocational – to develop skills which will lead to employment
2. Social – for leisure and general well being
3. Therapeutic – designed to assist in recovery and encourage healing with a less formal emphasis. (Antioch University)

One of the distinguishing features of the Horticultural Therapy is that it takes place within the context of an established treatment plan. It provides a safe and supportive environment for healing through flora.

In contrast, therapeutic horticulture can be practised by anyone at anytime. No official registration is needed. For example, forest therapy, in which an individual can is guided through the forest by a trained therapist with the aim of achieving attainable goals.

Mitchell Hewson, the first registered horticultural therapist to practice in Canada, and a pioneer in the development of the practice globally, shares his love and respect for the healing power of nature. In particular, Hewson promotes HT and rehabilitation for people who suffer from mental illness and addiction.

“There is something magical and curative in the powers of nature. Flowers perpetuate themselves with their seeds, repeating the cycle of life. Nature is forgiving, as one plant dies another can grow in its place. The life cycle of plants provides us with hope of life renewed and a chance to begin again.”

Mitchell Hewson, HTM LT RAHP, Registered Horticultural Therapist

Aims of a Horticultural Program

Horticultural Therapy takes place within the context of an established treatment plan. The professional therapist will be a member of an interdisciplinary team. Importantly, the client is involved in the treatment goal setting, which should be measurable and attainable, and how HT will be used to achieve them.

The goals set usually include:

• Physical
• Cognitive
• Emotional
• Educational
• Sensory Stimulation
• Reality Awareness

With this in mind, how the results are measured is important to the success of the activity for the individual or group involved. The evaluation of individual progress and outcome measurement will be based on the activities in the project. For this reason activities are developed centred on the client’s specific goals so as not to become a stressor in the healing process as it is important for all involved to enjoy the experience.

Become a Volunteer

HT Programs usually involve the local community via volunteers and fund raisers, as a result of involving the local community future funding for the programs may be secured.

If you choose to volunteer, some of the potential benefits include gaining experience, if you are interested in eventually working the field. Moreover, it adds to the variety of gardening activities, and positive engagement for the clients. Also, according to Hewson, volunteers provide support to help maintain the quality of care.

Doing it for you

I am definitely an advocate for all things horticultural, and was so enthralled with its potential I enroled in the Horticultural course taught by Mitchell Hewson. It was an exercise in preaching to the choir. Absolutely fabulous! Without a doubt, a fascinating look at how this therapy provides a path to wellness.

As a result, my own indoor plant collection has grown, with each new addition filling the mood and need. I have found that each group of plants work on the individual energy. During the pandemic, many people were also converted to the benefits of plant care for their own well being.

For example, I find succulents conducive to a feeling of welling with their exotic quality, and their storage capacity and resilience, this is a bonus for especially in cold climate zones. Compact varieties are very popular due to their beauty and hardiness. In fact, all the tropicals are to be admired, they learn to cope with an environment which is not natural to their requirements just as many of us do.

All things considered, nothing beats experiencing communion with plants in their natural habitat, hence the growth of forest therapy and other eco-therapies. Remember, HT in formal practice is used supplement, not take the place of, ongoing treatments a person may be undergoing. It allows people to re-evaluate their current lifestyle, and set new goals while discovering the health benefits of nature.

The beautiful thing is you don’t have to be in any formal program to enjoy nature. Find your favourite spot and just – Breathe.