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HORTICULTURAL THERAPY-OVERVIEW AND BENEFITS  

By Pat Czarnecki, HTR

GreEn’ergy, LLC

The American Horticultural Therapy Association defines horticultural therapy (HT) as “the engagement of a person in gardening-related activities, facilitated by a trained therapist, to achieve specific treatment goals.  Horticultural therapy:

• Develops the social, educational, psychological and physical adjustment of persons to nurture their body, mind and spirits
• Is an effective and beneficial treatment for people of all ages, [cultural and economic] backgrounds, and abilities
• Is an active process which occurs in the context of an established treatment plan.”

Importantly, horticultural therapy promotes quality of life.

There are three basic types of horticultural therapy programs:  therapeutic, social, and vocational.  Measurable objectives are employed in therapeutic programs which are typically administered in a medical setting.  Therefore, the benefits of a horticultural therapy program are measurable and accountable.

An HT program does not require a greenhouse or fancy plant cart.  It can be delivered one-on-one, at bedside with a basket of colorful flowers or fragrant/tactile herbs or simple garden photos from a magazine.  Popular adaptable equipment includes raised garden beds, large container planters for wheelchair access, and ergonomic hand tools.

GreEn’ergy, LLC – New Jersey-based horticultural therapy and gardening specialists who design innovative HT programs and garden spaces for people of all ages and abilities. Contact Pat Czarnecki at greenergy@optonline.net or call (973) 697-6284.