RESEARCH

Horticultural Activity Interventions and Outcomes: A Review

This review examines horticultural activity interventions and their mental, physical, and social outcomes, highlighting research trends and gaps in the field.

Program Types: Therapeutic, Social, Vocational

Population Groups: General Population

Setting or Context: Community Gardens, Urban vs. Rural Settings, Public/Botanical Gardens

Health and Wellness Outcomes: Improved Mental Health, Enhanced Emotional Well-being, Improved Stress Management, Increased Social Engagement & Skills, Greater Job Readiness & Vocational Skills

Allied Profession Intersections: Recreational Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Behavioral Therapy

Type of Activity: Indoor Plant Care, Outdoor Gardening, Nature-Based Arts & Crafts, Environmental Education

Evidence Type: Peer-Reviewed Studies, Meta-Analyses/Systematic Reviews, Observational Research, Qualitative Research, Quantitative Research

Measurement and Evaluation: Metrics for Mental Health, Program Effectiveness

Access: Free

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Summary

The study analyzes 509 published studies on horticultural therapy and gardening programs, revealing consistent psychological benefits, such as reduced stress, improved self-esteem, and lower depression rates. It also highlights physical health improvements, including enhanced motor skills and cardiovascular activity, particularly for older adults. The most common interventions involved gardening, planting, flower arranging, and nature-based crafts, with short-to-medium-term programs (11–20 sessions) being the most effective.

While horticultural therapy has demonstrated positive effects across diverse populations, including children, the elderly, and individuals with disabilities, standardized research methodologies are lacking. The study calls for more rigorous trials and outcome measurements to strengthen the evidence base. It also suggests expanding horticultural interventions into urban agriculture, mental health services, and educational settings to maximize their societal impact

Link

Park, S.-A., Lee, G.-J., Kim, D.-S., Kim, W. S., Shoemaker, C. A., & Son, K.-C. (2016). Horticultural activity interventions and outcomes: A review. Korean Journal of Horticultural Science & Technology, 34(4), 513–527. Korea Science.

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RESEARCH

Horticultural Activity Interventions and Outcomes: A Review

Summary

Link

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