Horticultural therapy
- Horticultural therapy is based on the belief that nature provides healing benefits.
- There are many different forms of horticultural therapy, including gardening, landscaping, arboriculture, and forestry.
- Horticultural therapy helps people who suffer from Alzheimer's disease, autism, depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, schizophrenia, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, eating disorders, substance abuse, and other conditions.
- There are many different forms of horticultural therapy including aromatherapy, hydrotherapy, music therapy, and others.
- Many hospitals offer horticultural therapy programs for patients recovering from surgery, illness, or injury.
A Physical Therapy Garden: What Is Horticultural Therapy
- A physical therapy garden is a relaxing environment where patients can feel comfortable while receiving treatment.
- Horticultural therapy helps people who suffer from mental health issues like depression, anxiety, stress, and PTSD.
- Gardening is an effective form of therapy that can help treat many different ailments.
- Gardens are an integral part of our culture and religion.
- People often associate gardens with healing.
- Enabling gardens provide opportunities for individuals to connect socially and physically.
- Enabling gardens allow individuals to feel like they are part of nature while providing them with opportunities to learn new skills, develop social connections, and improve physical health.
- Enabling gardens are often called “therapeutic gardens” because they help people recover from illness and injury.
- Enabling gardens are built around themes related to gardening and landscaping.
Types of Treatment
- There are many different goals and types of treatment for horticultural therapy programs.
- Vocational horticultural therapy focuses on job skills training. Therapeutic horticultural therapy provides services for individuals who suffer from mental illness or physical disabilities. Social horticultural therapy involves working with groups of people to promote social interaction.
Types of intervention and language
- Therapeutic horticulture is an interdisciplinary approach that combines therapeutic techniques with horticultural therapy.
- There are two main types of intervention: individualized and group interventions.
- Language refers to the type of communication between the patient and the therapist.
Vocational Horticultural Therapy
- Vocational Horticulture Therapy teaches people how to grow plants and vegetables.
- There are many benefits to learning these skills. For example, there are jobs that require these skills, like greenhouse workers, landscapers, farmers, gardeners, nursery owners, etc.
Therapeutic Horticultural Therapy
- There is evidence that spending time in natural environments can help people recover from illnesses.
- A study found that patients who received therapeutic horticultural therapy had better outcomes than those who did not receive this type of treatment.
- This approach is very similar to what happens in nature. We all know how important it is to take walks outside or go camping to feel refreshed after a long day.
Social Horticultural Therapy
- Social horticultural therapy focuses on leisure activities and enhancing life quality.
- Some people feel better after eating certain foods.
- There are many ways to help patients who suffer from mental health problems.
Horticultural Therapeutic Benefits
- Gardening provides many health benefits.
- Patients who receive gardening therapy tend to heal quicker after an operation or illness.
- People who live near green spaces tend to be happier and healthier.
- Horticultural therapy is an established form of treatment for many disorders.
- There are numerous studies showing that gardening helps people recover from illnesses or injuries.
- Gardening provides a sense of accomplishment and self-worth.
Where Are Healing Gardens Used?
- Natural health centers often employ horticulture therapists
- There are three kinds of gardens in health care: healing garden, therapeutic garden, and horticultural Therapy Garden
- Health benefits include stress reduction, improved diagnosis of health issues, and increased life expectancy
- These gardens involve action and discussion by both professionals and the general public
- There are many benefits to building these kinds of gardens. For example, they provide exercise opportunities, improve mood, increase socialization, and encourage interaction between staff and patients.
Creating a Healing Garden
- A healing garden should include plants that promote relaxation, reduce stress, improve sleep, and encourage restful sleep.
- Plants can be chosen based on their medicinal properties, including promoting health and reducing pain.
- Hardscapes can be designed to complement the garden's purpose. For example, if you want to create a calming environment, consider adding water features like fountains, ponds, streams, and waterfalls.
Where Are Healing Gardens Used?
- A lot of people know about gardening and enjoy doing it.
- There are many different ways to help someone recover from an injury or illness.
- Gardening has been proven to be effective in helping people recover from injuries and illnesses.
Site Considerations
- A garden can be permanent or temporary.
- Permanent gardens can be built with inexpensive materials.
- Temporary gardens can be made with elaborate materials.
- A large scale garden will require a lot of work and resources.
- There should be a sense of ownership over the space and its caretakers.
- Gardeners must consider the climate where it will be located.
Site Accessibility
- An accessible garden should be located near a handicap accessible parking lot
- A garden should be designed to accommodate all visitors regardless of age, ability, gender, race or ethnicity
- Pathways should be wide enough for a wheelchair
- People who have disabilities can benefit from accessibility features.
- Designing an accessible site is important to ensure that everyone can access information easily.
- There are many ways to create accessible sites, including adding alt tags to images, providing text alternatives, and making sure all elements are visible.
Sun Exposure
- Sunlight is essential for life, but too much sunlight can cause skin damage.
- A variety of plant species require different amounts of sunlight.
- Plants grown outdoors will benefit from protection against harsh weather conditions.
Plant Selection
- Planting seasonality and location must be considered before planting.
- When selecting plants, consider the visual impairment of the client.
- A variety of plants is important for optimal sensory stimulation.
Garden Accessories
- Tables provide a work surface for activities like potting up plants, pruning, weeding, harvesting and general maintenance.
- Accessible raised beds allow people to sit down and enjoy the garden without having to stand all day long.
- Raised walls give us a view of what's happening outside our window while providing a stable base for working in the garden.
- Security fencing provides protection for plants and people alike.
- Walls made of natural materials can be built with wood or stone.
- Garden accessories include planters, trellises, arbors, benches, birdbaths, fountains, and other items.
Therapeutic Gardens
- Therapeutic gardens are great for people who have dementia or Alzheimer's disease. They help them feel connected to nature and reduce stress.
- People who live in nursing homes often don't see much green space. These therapeutic gardens give residents something beautiful to look at and enjoy.
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Happy Gardening!
Dr. Vandana, Co-Founder, UrbanMali.com