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What is horticultural therapy?
According to the Canadian Horticultural Therapy Association (CHTA), "Horticultural therapy uses plants and the natural world to improve the social, spiritual, physical and emotional wellbeing of individuals who participate in it." The CHTA defines horticultural therapy as a "formalized discipline of the use of horticultural activities, and other related activities, to enable people to participate in their own healing process. It is more properly administered by trained professionals such as horticultural therapists but can be practiced by many others informally."
"Using horticulture as therapy builds on a special connection between people and plants.
Alternative therapy in the garden Today, horticultural therapy at any level is recognized as a useful alternative therapy that supports healing by promoting happiness, peace and gratification. It is also helpful for relieving stress, and assisting in the general wellbeing for those suffering from physical and psychological disabilities.
Benefits of horticultural therapy
There are many benefits to horticultural therapy, and its non-invasive application is suitable for everyone. Within the past decade, the discipline has been introduced in various settings including prisons, senior homes, hospice care and hospitals. For seniors, horticultural therapy can help provide a sense of purpose and be a platform for developing friendship and a sense of community. For those confined to hospice care, gardening can provide a sense of hope and renewal. In prison settings, horticultural therapy teaches inmates responsibility and commitment while tending to the prison's gardens.
"Horticultural therapy brings individuals closer to the mystery of life,"
"Gardening can provide meaningful work, not busy work, for clients in long-term care. It provides an opportunity to make decisions, develop cognitive skills and become part of a community.
According to the American Horticultural Therapy Association (AHTA), "therapeutic garden environments offer individuals the opportunity to connect to the natural world, with or without facilitation."