Gardening is one of the most popular hobbies in the United States. It is enjoyed by people of all ages, from children to seniors.
The benefits of gardening as a hobby go a long way both physically and mentally. Horticulture can involve hands-on activities as well as mental stimulation. As a therapy tool, horticultural activities are well recognized and can play important roles in the lives of many people.
Plants are the perfect example of broad acceptance. They don’t care about a gardener’s age, mental ability, physical ability or social or economic status. Plants will respond to anyone providing the proper care.
Many people garden without ever really thinking of why the activity is enjoyable. They often use horticulture as a therapy without ever stopping to dwell on the effects.
Working in the garden has many benefits beyond the production of flowers, fruit and vegetables. Gardeners can get a good physical workout in a calm and interesting environment. The experience may reduce stress and clear the mind of the worker.
However, there are professionals who have realized the positive benefits of horticulture as a therapeutic tool.
Technically, everyday gardening, while therapeutic, is not horticultural therapy. Horticultural Therapy is a professional discipline with a trained professional directing the therapy.
This specialized therapy has been defined as “the use of plants and gardens for human healing and rehabilitation”. A large body of research has shown that horticulture offers unique values to people with physical, mental, emotional, and social disabilities.
Horticultural therapy has been around for centuries. In the 1600s the poor often had to work in gardens to pay for their medical care. Physicians noticed these patients recovered quicker and to a better level of health than patients who did not work in the garden.
In the 1800s, a few progressive hospitals specializing in the treatment of those with mental illnesses used gardening as a therapy tool. After both World War I and II, injured servicemen worked in gardens to improve function of injured limbs and to increase mental function. They also learned new skills to provide a livelihood.
One of the oldest therapies, horticultural therapy brings people and plants together for health and wellness.
Today many hospitals, long-term care facilities, rehabilitation centers, prisons, schools, social service facilities and community centers use people-plant interactions as a form of treatment for people with physical or mental disabilities.
At the intellectual level, horticultural therapy allows people to attain new skills. It also may increase the sense of curiosity and the powers of observation.
For many, garden therapy is used to stimulate sensory perceptions. Therapy gardens are often designed to stimulate specific senses like hearing, touch, or smell. The social benefits of horticulture are many.
Gardening may be done individually or in groups. Group interaction allows increased cooperation, respect for others and shared responsibility.
Horticulture also provides a way for people to interact with others with shared interests. Increased confidence and self-esteem are important emotional benefits of horticultural therapy. Plants don’t grow to maturity overnight, and watching the development of plants over time provides a source of interest and enthusiasm for the future. Gardening also may provide an outlet for stress and anger relief.
The physical benefits of horticulture can be attested to by many. Gardening can provide a strenuous workout. But gardening also can be used to develop or regain the use of basic motor skills. Improvements in muscle coordination and dexterity are positive outcomes.
Gardening also can be a passive activity. Many gardens are designed with viewing in mind and can provide enjoyment to individuals with limited physical abilities. Studies have shown experiencing or viewing nature helps regulate emotions, lowers stress levels, and helps improves a person’s mood.
Whether used as a tool for therapy or as a hobby, horticulture is an important part of our lives. It is both a vocation and an avocation enjoyed by millions of people.
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