RESEARCH

Half-day Intensive Grow Your Professional Skills: Gardening, Gardens & Therapeutic Horticulture

This document provides a comprehensive overview of horticultural therapy (HT) and its applications in therapeutic, recreational, and vocational settings, outlining key frameworks, intervention strategies, and best practices.

Program Types: Social

Population Groups: General Population, Industry Professionals

Health and Wellness Outcomes: Greater Job Readiness & Vocational Skills, Increased Horticultural Knowledge

Allied Profession Intersections: Recreational Therapy

Type of Activity: Environmental Education

Evidence Type: Industry Reports

Measurement and Evaluation: Program Effectiveness

Access: Free

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Summary

The study explores the role of gardening and outdoor spaces in recreation and treatment, emphasizing their use across healthcare, rehabilitation, and therapeutic settings. It distinguishes between horticultural therapy, therapeutic horticulture, and social horticulture, outlining their different levels of intervention. The document presents case studies and measurable outcomes demonstrating how gardening improves physical health, cognitive function, social interaction, and psychological well-being. Additionally, it highlights adaptive gardening strategies, accessible garden design, and program development for various populations, including older adults, individuals with disabilities, and mental health patients.

The research also examines therapeutic garden design, classifying gardens into healing, restorative, and enabling categories. It provides guidelines on plant selection, accessibility features, and adaptive tools to maximize benefits for diverse users. The study underscores gardening’s ability to foster engagement, reduce stress, and improve quality of life, advocating for greater integration of horticultural therapy into healthcare, community programs, and vocational training

Link

Fleming, L., Ma, B., House, J., & Kirby. (n.d.). Half-day Intensive Grow Your Professional Skills: Gardening, Gardens & Therapeutic Horticulture.

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