Indeed, horticulture in all its multi-faceted manifestations, is a wholesome, satisfying, inspiring, nurturing, creative, wise and wonderful pursuit. It embodies elements of beauty, tragedy, the cycles of life and death and the interconnectedness of all things. To garden is to experience challenges, triumphs and defeats. It is the use of the word therapy that is being used out of proportion. As enthusiastic as I am about the wonders of horticulture, I am equally unenthusiastic about calling it therapy.
Horticulture can benefit everyone.
Whether you are a schizophrenic, paraplegic or octogenarian you will benefit from time in the garden. When you participate in wholesome, happy, healthy activities you feel better. In my opinion this should be seen as normal behaviour to be encouraged, not as therapy. Therapy should be reserved to refer to specific, empirical methods of treatment targeted at addressing specific problems. Don't tell me horticultural therapy will cure obsessive-compulsive behaviour.