RESEARCH

Outcomes of a Therapeutic Gardening Program in a Mental Health Recovery Center

The gardening project successfully increased group participation, as reported by a majority of the staff. Despite some limitations, the project provided beneficial experiences for participants and students alike.

Program Types: Therapeutic

Population Groups: Mental Health Challenges/Trauma, General Population

Setting or Context: Hospitals/Clinics, Rehabilitation Centers

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

Allied Profession Intersections: Occupational Therapy, Behavioral Therapy, Counselling

Type of Activity: Outdoor Gardening, Edible Plant Gardening, Meal/Diet-Based Activities, Nature-Based Arts & Crafts

Evidence Type: Peer-Reviewed Studies, Quantitative Research

Measurement and Evaluation: Metrics for Physical Health, Patient-Reported Outcomes, Standardized Assessment Tools, Program Effectiveness

Access: Paid

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Summary

This research project focused on helping participants build and maintain garden boxes to improve their social skills and group participation. Six cedar raised-bed gardens were set up, and participants, guided by project staff and occupational therapy students, worked together to plant flowers, herbs, and vegetables. Weekly group sessions included art projects, computer activities, and discussions to help participants decide what they wanted to grow. Data was collected throughout the process using various tools like the Volitional Questionnaire and attendance records.

The gardening project was well-received, with a significant increase in group participation reported by 75% of the staff involved. While the educational focus of the project led to some limitations, such as potential bias in data collection, the collaboration provided valuable hands-on experience for both participants and students. Future suggestions include using standardized measures and involving external evaluators for data collection to minimize bias.