The 5 Ws of Horticultural Therapy
WHAT — What is horticultural therapy?
Horticultural therapy aka gardening therapy is using gardening or caring for plants as a therapeutic tool for health and healing of the mind, body, and soul.
WHO — Who can benefit from horticultural therapy?
Everyone can benefit from horticultural therapy! If you are:
Currently in treatment OR have never been in therapy
Living with a diagnosis OR have no diagnosis
An expert gardener OR kill every plant you’ve ever touched
Horticultural therapy is for you.
WHERE — Where do you practice horticultural therapy?
You can practice gardening therapy anywhere. You can work with a horticultural therapist or do it on your own. A small backyard plot, a few pots on a balcony, or access to a park is all you need to get started.
WHEN — When can you practice horticultural therapy?
Any time of the year! You don’t have to wait until spring and summer, when many things are in bloom and pretty, to participate in gardening therapy. Plants have plenty to teach us, even when many go dormant in the fall and winter.
WHY — Why should you give horticultural therapy a shot?
Because it works!
Gardening therapy is not new. Our ancestors understood how caring for plants benefited mind-body-soul.
Modern research (while limited) supports the benefits of gardening therapy.
Gardening therapy can be used in conjunction with (and sometimes) instead of traditional medical practices.
This web site is provided for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute providing medical advice or professional services. The information provided should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, and those seeking personal medical advice should consult with a licensed physician.
Photo by Carlita Benazito on Unsplash