RESEARCH

Does Horticultural Therapy Fit in Integrative Medicine?

The review found moderate initial evidence that horticultural therapy can help improve mental health and client skills, especially for conditions like dementia and depression. Although the quality of research is still variable, the findings suggest that gardening-based activities can be a useful part of health care for mental and emotional well-being.

Program Types: Therapeutic

Population Groups: General Population

Setting or Context: Assisted Living/Long-Term Care Homes, Low Care/Independent Long-Term Homes, Schools/Educational Settings, Hospitals/Clinics, Rehabilitation Centers, Community Gardens, Public/Botanical Gardens, Farms, Natural Areas/Parks/Forest, Healthcare Centre

Health and Wellness Outcomes: Increased Sense of Belonging (Reduced Isolation), Improved Balance, Increase in Standing or Walking Tolerance, Increased Social Engagement & Skills, Increased Horticultural Knowledge, Increased Self-Efficacy, Community Building, Improved Quality of Life

Allied Profession Intersections: Landscape Design, Counselling, Nursing

Type of Activity: Indoor Plant Care, Outdoor Gardening, Edible Plant Gardening, Meal/Diet-Based Activities, Nature-Based Arts & Crafts, Plant Propagation, Greenhouse/Nursery Production

Evidence Type: Peer-Reviewed Studies, Meta-Analyses/Systematic Reviews

Measurement and Evaluation: Patient-Reported Outcomes, Program Effectiveness

Access: Paid

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Summary

This research paper explores horticultural therapy, which uses gardening and plant-related activities to support the health and well-being of different groups of people. The practice has been around for a long time, but it became an official profession in the 1950s, growing out of occupational therapy and rehabilitation methods. Professionals in this field work with diverse populations, including people with mental health disorders like depression and schizophrenia, as well as individuals with physical disabilities, substance abuse issues, and at-risk youth or incarcerated individuals. The therapy programs involve activities like planting, maintaining gardens, harvesting, and even cooking, and aim to improve social skills, mood, physical movement, and thinking abilities.

The study reviews existing research to see how effective horticultural therapy really is. While some studies suggest it can help improve mental health symptoms and overall functioning, many of these studies are small or use methods that might not provide strong evidence. Nonetheless, the overall findings point to the potential benefits of gardening activities for reducing stress, improving attention, and supporting recovery in mental health conditions. The evidence is promising but still needs to be strengthened with higher-quality research.