Horticultral Therapy
Nature has been viewed therapeutically since ancient times, from the decadent Hanging Gardens of Babylon to the austere variety used in Zen meditation. Modern horticultural therapy emerges from those roots, pardon the pun. Horticultural therapists work like art or music therapists, only using watering cans rather than watercolors, string beans rather than stringed instruments. In order to improve the body, mind, and spirit of each of their clients, therapists create environments to stimulate many sense – touch, sight, smell, and even taste on a particularly good day. Specific techniques include memorial gardens, group projects, nature walks, and aromatherapy. Called a “cognitive therapy”, horticultural therapy hones new skills and rehabilitates those that may have been lost.
In a vocational setting, clients learn to follow directions and work tasks to completion, preparing them for future jobs and also helping with life skills. Horticultural therapy benefits everyone, but especially enjoys success with adults and children who have physical, psychological, or developmental disabilities, people recovering from illness or injury, victims of abuse, public offenders, recovering addicts, and people in nursing homes or hospice centers.
* Benefits of horticultural therapy Improved memory
* Social growth
* Physical relaxation and strengthening
* Independence
* Problem solving skills
* Creativity
Horticultural therapy has a broad appeal. People who would never go for a Dr. Phil experience will gladly attend a session arranging flowers.
In addition, Horticultural Therapy’s combination of physical and emotional benefits encourages holistic health. It fosters complete growth and healing by mixing bodily and mental activities to develop a comprehensive treatment plan.
Horticulture therapy is NOT just making crafts or potting plants. It is the process NOT the product. It features not just a physical component, but also mental, social, and spiritual (if desired) components. For example, one group might involve planting bulbs for motor skills, but also reminiscing about favorite spring bulbs and learning about some new plant as well. Metaphorically, the bulb incarnates delayed gratification. One group of seniors talked about what it is like to have to wait, as they often must do in being dependent on others. We also shared experiences of difficult waiting that turned out for good. This sort of session facilitates skills in socialization, anger management, taking turns, and cooperation with others.
Less active individuals who are less cognitively aware can also participate. Just passing around aromatic plants or placing a flower in a vase can allow for stimulating experiences to increase awareness and maintain a higher level of functioning.
