RESEARCH

Horticultural Healing

Horticultural therapy harnesses the healing power of plants and nature to improve mental, physical, and emotional well-being through guided activities in green spaces.

Program Types: Therapeutic

Population Groups: Chronic/Acute Health Conditions

Setting or Context: Assisted Living/Long-Term Care Homes, Low Care/Independent Long-Term Homes

Health and Wellness Outcomes: Enhanced Emotional Well-being, Improved Physical Health

Type of Activity: Indoor Plant Care, Outdoor Gardening

Evidence Type: Industry Reports

Measurement and Evaluation: Metrics for Mental Health, Metrics for Physical Health

Access: Free

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Summary

Horticultural therapy is a structured, evidence-backed practice that blends plant care with accredited therapy to promote healing. Engaging with nature through activities like gardening, flower arranging, and herbal crafting has been shown to reduce stress, enhance creativity, and aid recovery, particularly for patients in hospitals and rehabilitation programs.

Institutions like the Chicago Botanic Garden and Portland’s Legacy Emanuel Medical Center are leading the way in making horticultural therapy more accessible. Research highlights its benefits, from quicker recovery times in hospital settings to emotional and sensory engagement in dedicated garden spaces. As awareness grows, more people are discovering the therapeutic impact of interacting with nature.

Link

Novak, T. (2021). Horticultural healing. Cancer Wellness.com.

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