IV 
108TH CONGRESS 
2D SESSION 
H. CON. RES. 497 
Supporting the designation, during spring 2005, of National Horticultural 
Therapy Week in order to improve the quality of life for all and increase 
opportunities for each individual to positively connect with the natural 
world. 
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
SEPTEMBER 23, 2004 
Mr. PRICE of North Carolina submitted the following concurrent resolution; 
which was referred to the Committee on Government Reform 
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 
Supporting the designation, during spring 2005, of National 
Horticultural Therapy Week in order to improve the 
quality of life for all and increase opportunities for each 
individual to positively connect with the natural world. 
Whereas horticultural therapy is the time-proven practice of 
using the therapeutic benefits of working in a peaceful 
garden environment and raising plants to improve the 
quality of life and to speed rehabilitation; 
Whereas horticultural therapy is practiced through voca-
tional, therapeutic, and social programs, and successfully 
enables and empowers individuals to achieve their max-
imum independence in settings such as hospitals, correc-
tional facilities, public schools, senior centers, and com-
munity gardens;
•HCON 497 IH 
Whereas horticultural therapy gained prominence in the 
United States in rehabilitating wounded World War II 
veterans through the assistance of volunteers and trained 
professionals, and continues today in veterans’ hospitals 
across the country; 
Whereas horticultural therapy brings dignity and enhanced 
skills by allowing individuals to grow and function to the 
best of their abilities, and helps individuals such as those 
recovering from illness or injury, the elderly, socially dis-
advantaged individuals, and individuals with disabilities; 
Whereas awareness and growth of the profession of horti-
cultural therapy is being realized through increased edu-
cation opportunities, beginning with the first Master of 
Science degree in horticultural therapy, awarded by 
Michigan State University in 1955, and continuing across 
the country in universities, colleges, community colleges, 
and through horticultural therapy certificate programs; 
Whereas the American Horticultural Therapy Association 
provides opportunities for horticultural therapy profes-
sionals to share research, professional standards, and 
best practices, as well as for the public to obtain informa-
tion and resources; 
Whereas horticultural therapy was practiced by Dr. Benjamin 
Rush, a signer of the Declaration of Independence; 
Whereas horticultural therapy is beneficial for people of all 
ages and all walks of life, providing benefits directly 
through formal programs with trained horticultural ther-
apy professionals, and providing benefits indirectly 
through encouraging the designation of National Forest 
System lands and the creation of public gardens and
•HCON 497 IH 
community gardens, and through encouraging the enjoy-
ment of even the smallest backyard garden; and 
Whereas the designation of a National Horticultural Therapy 
Week would assist in increasing awareness of horti-
cultural therapy and related matters: Now, therefore, be 
it 
Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate 
concurring), That the Congress— 
(1) supports the designation, during spring 
2005, of National Horticultural Therapy Week in 
order to improve the quality of life for all and in-
crease opportunities for each individual to positively 
connect with the natural world; and 
(2) urges Federal and State governmental enti-
ties and the people of the United States to observe 
such Week with appropriate ceremonies and activi-
ties. 
Æ