RESEARCH

Horticulture Therapy Improves the Body, Mind and Spirit

The gardening project fostered a shared investment and collective ownership among participants, leading to improved social relationships, a sense of self-worth, and the development of mindfulness skills to cope with stress and regulate emotions. Participants also began gardening in their spare time and applying principles observed in nature to their daily lives, demonstrating the positive impact of horticulture therapy on their mental well-being.

Program Types: Therapeutic

Population Groups: Mental Health Challenges/Trauma

Setting or Context: Community Gardens

Health and Wellness Outcomes: Improved Mental Health, Enhanced Emotional Well-being, Increased Sense of Belonging (Reduced Isolation), Increased Social Engagement & Skills

Allied Profession Intersections: Social Work, Counselling

Type of Activity: Outdoor Gardening, Edible Plant Gardening, Environmental Education

Measurement and Evaluation: Metrics for Mental Health

Access: Free

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Summary

This paper discusses a gardening project designed to provide mental health treatment in a unique way. It highlights the historical use of nature, particularly horticulture, as a source of peace and recovery for those suffering from mental illness, dating back to ancient Mesopotamia. The project, taking place on the grounds of a former almshouse, aimed to reconnect participants with this simpler time, increase their physical activity, improve their social skills, and foster cooperation among them, drawing inspiration from how early psychiatric centers used gardens and livestock as a central part of patient treatment.

The project involved five participants with various mood disorders who met weekly with a therapist. The sessions focused on gardening basics, exercise, nutrition, and social skill development. Participants worked together to transform a grassy area into a cultivated garden with raised beds. They started seedlings indoors, transplanted them, and cared for the plants, using these activities as opportunities for therapeutic exercises, mindfulness practice, and discussions about life lessons observed in nature.