Horticulture Therapy brings those benefits of gardening and nature to populations that might not otherwise have the opportunity. The American Horticultural Therapy Association defines horticulture therapy as a rehabilitative practice that uses plants and gardening-related programs to improve the mental and physical health or vocational skills of its participants, thus improving their body, mind and spirits. Horticulture therapy places the patient in a care-giving role often engendering confidence and a renewed sense of purpose. Working with plants has proven beneficial for a number of groups such as those who are physically disabled, mentally ill, developmentally disabled, elderly, substance abusers, and the socially disadvantaged. Many, if not most, of these people live in institutions, removed from the natural world.
Horticultural therapists are experts on the medical and psychological benefits of gardening.
Their training stresses not only horticulture and agriculture, but also psychology. They are specially trained members of comprehensive rehabilitation teams. Horticulture therapy is a program that unfolds the beauty and mystery of the natural world to disadvantaged individuals, expanding their worlds and opening their hearts. Used under License.