Therapeutic
horticulture
(TH) is the formal name given to the purposeful use of plants and plant
related activities to promote health and wellness for an individual or
group.
Therapeutic horticulture benefits
people in a number of ways:
Emotionally,
from the sense of the natural rhythm of life from plants and gardens.
TH can divert thoughts about oneself and situation.
By
performing
gardening activities one can
create and control the environment. The ability to control
something
creates empowerment and self esteem. Mental
health is improved through a
sense of purpose and achievement.
Physically, TH can
challenge your strength and
balance, promote
hand-eye coordination, improve a person's range of movement
and endurance. The physical
level of the activity can be modified to suit any degree of
ability.
Socially, by
creating
interaction with others performing similar activities. Gardens
invite socialization and TH in this setting promotes
cooperation. The
opportunity to connect with others improves social health by
integrating teamwork and connection with others with similar interests.
TH can be used to teach skills
for working in the horticulture and landscaping
sectors. Vocational
skills for horticultural work can translate into many career areas and
can improve and create employment.
Spiritual
well-being from spending time outside, in touch with nature and the
'great outdoors'.
TH
benefits the mind, has effects of stress relief, improved
mood
and emotional well being.
Delivery of
Therapeutic Horticulture
Therapeutic
horticulture programs can be
performed year round. There
are four core areas of therapeutic horticulture that can be delivered
in a program.
Indoor
and Outdoor Gardening
Floral
Design and Arrangement
Botanical
Arts and Crafts
Nature
Related Activities
Gallery
Slideshow of photos from projects and programs.
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