What is Therapeutic Horticulture?

Therapeutic Horticulture at its simplest uses gardening to improve peoples’ lives. Groups meet together to share social time and to undertake various gardening tasks with various different purposes.

For some groups, the objective is to boost social interaction and improve wellbeing. Nurturing and caring for plants and spending time with people in the non-threatening environment of the garden is deeply beneficial for mental health and well-being.

For other groups there may be a more occupational health aim, perhaps to learn new skills, become work-ready or to improve dexterity for someone who has had an injury.

For the Horticultural Therapy Practitioner, the question is always, what does client need? They can then facilitate horticultural activities that will meet the needs of the people they work with.

If you are looking for a Horticultural Therapy group near you, visit www.gardening4health.co.uk