Around the globe, World Therapeutic Horticulture Day was celebrated for the first time on May 18th.
The day was dedicated to highlighting the many therapeutic benefits of horticulture and gardening. Therapeutic Horticulture is a practice that embraces the healing power of nature to promote physical and emotion wellbeing. It involves using plants and gardens to cultivate a sense of connection with nature and improve people’s health, wellbeing, and quality of life.
Therapeutic Horticulture has been shown by over 30 years of research to be an effective approach to helping people deal with a wide range of physical and mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, and chronic pain. It can also help people to improve their social skills, reduce stress, and increase self-esteem.
Importantly, therapeutic horticulture is a sustainable approach to healthcare that also has a positive impact on the environment. It promotes the responsible use of natural resources and encourages the cultivation of plants that provide various benefits, such as cleaner air and water. Incorporating horticulture into a variety of disciplines offers unique ways to offer treatment to any population.
Furthermore, it can be practices in any number of settings, including hospitals, rehabilitation centres, schools, care homes, and community gardens. It can be adapted to any skill and physical level, making it a versatile form of therapy that can be tailored to help people in a variety of ways.
The Therapies Garden, Northampton General Hospital
In 2021, we planted a Therapies Garden for Northampton General Hospital, giving the patients a valuable space for therapy and engagement.
The garden has improved biodiversity in the area, and seeing plants grow and change throughout the seasons brings interest and familiarity to the garden, boosting patients’ wellbeing. They can watch birds and insects, engage their senses with the smells and textures of the flowers, and complete simple gardening tasks to help with mobility.
Check out our case study on The Therapies Garden here.
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