Horticulture Therapy

Horticulture Therapy

What is it?

Most gardeners know that working in your garden is not only exercise but therapy for the mind and body.  However, Horticulture Therapy is being scientifically used as social and therapeutic horticulture. Horticulture therapy is another term often used interchangeably with therapeutic gardening. It uses plant materials and gardening techniques as a way to improve physical, psychological and social well-being. It can benefit the elderly and infirm, the mentally ill, the developmentally disabled, substance abusers, public offenders, and the socially disadvantaged. It can also help the able-bodied to garden with more ease, a sense of achievement, control and pride in accomplishment.

These are some of the Benefits of Therapeutic Horticulture

Cognitive

Physical

Psychological

Social

  • Improve Concentration
  • Improve Attention Span
  • Stimulate Memory
  • Achieve Goals
  • Improve Immune System
  • Decrease Stress
  • Improve Eye-Hand Coordination
  • Improve Fine and Gross Motor Skills
  • Improve Sense of Well-Being
  • Increase Sense of Control
  • Increase Sense of Pride and Accomplishment
  • Interaction With a Group or Community
  • Improve Social Skills
  • Practice Communicating
  • Learn Cooperative Skills

This is an intensely rewarding program. We welcome all volunteers.  Come and join us!