RESEARCH

Studies Regarding the Influence of Therapeutic Horticulture on the Human-Nature Relationship and the Increase of Well-Being

The study found that participants who engaged in a two-week gardening program showed significant improvements in their mental health and cognitive function compared to those who did not participate. The therapeutic effects of gardening were supported by both the depression scores and biological markers analyzed from urine samples.

Program Types: Social

Population Groups: Students

Setting or Context: Schools/Educational Settings

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

Allied Profession Intersections: Landscape Design

Type of Activity: Outdoor Gardening

Evidence Type: Peer-Reviewed Studies, Randomized Controlled Trials, Quantitative Research

Measurement and Evaluation: Metrics for Mental Health, Metrics for Physical Health, Standardized Assessment Tools

Access: Free

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Summary

This research paper explored the potential benefits of therapeutic horticulture (TH) for improving mental health. The study involved an experimental group that participated in a gardening program for two weeks, engaging in activities such as sowing, potting, and planting for four hours daily, except weekends. Meanwhile, there was also a control group that was simply monitored without participating in the gardening activities. The main goal was to see if gardening could help reduce depression and improve cognitive function among the participants.

After the two-week period, both the experimental and control groups were reassessed using the Beck Depression Inventory, and urine samples were collected for analysis. The results demonstrated that those who engaged in the gardening program showed significant improvements in their depression scores and cognitive function compared to the control group. The research thus suggests that gardening can have a positive impact on mental well-being.

Link

Buru, T., Kallay, E., Olar, L.E. et al. (2021). Studies regarding the influence of therapeutic horticulture on the human-nature relationship and the increase of well-being. ISHS Acta Horticulturae 1330: XV International People Plant Symposium and II International Symposium on Horticultural Therapies: The Role of Horticulture in Human Well-being and Social Development

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