RESEARCH

The Therapeutic Benefits of Horticulture in a Mental Health Service

This paper discussed the therapeutic benefits of gardening in mental health settings are closely tied to individual interest and the supportive social environment provided. The study showed that activities aligned with personal preferences and facilitated by skilled staff can positively influence motivation and well-being.

Program Types: Therapeutic

Population Groups: Mental Health Challenges/Trauma

Setting or Context: Rehabilitation Centers, Homes/Private Residences

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

Allied Profession Intersections: Occupational Therapy

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

Evidence Type: Qualitative Research, Quantitative Research

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

Access: Free

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Summary

This research paper looks into how gardening and being involved in horticultural activities can help people with mental health difficulties. In 2006, a charity wanted to find some hard evidence to show that gardening was good for mental well-being, as most of what was known was based on people’s experiences. Occupational therapists in a mental health service in Derbyshire decided to do a study to see which parts of their gardening projects were most helpful to their clients. They used methods to measure how motivated the people taking part were and what aspects of the gardening environment they found supportive.

The study found that whether someone enjoys gardening and their personal interests played a big role in how much they benefited. Activities like growing vegetables or using the produce seemed to lead to higher levels of motivation than just general garden maintenance or growing flowers. The people in the study also really valued the social interaction and support they received from the project leaders. The researchers concluded that simply being in a garden isn’t automatically therapeutic; it’s the combination of personal interest, the challenges offered (which can be adjusted by the facilitators), and the social environment that makes horticulture beneficial for mental health.