RESEARCH

Therapeutic Gardening: A Community-Led, Community-Wide Approach

The research highlights how therapeutic gardening can improve emotional well-being and help individuals regain lost resources. The results demonstrate how gardening can offer a comforting and therapeutic environment, supporting those dealing with grief and trauma.

Program Types: Social

Population Groups: General Population

Setting or Context: Community Gardens

Health and Wellness Outcomes: Improved Mental Health, Enhanced Emotional Well-being, Better Nutritional Awareness, Increased Social Engagement & Skills, Community Building

Allied Profession Intersections: Behavioral Therapy

Type of Activity: Outdoor Gardening, Edible Plant Gardening

Evidence Type: Case Studies, Quantitative Research

Measurement and Evaluation: Standardized Assessment Tools

Access: Paid

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Summary

This research paper explores the therapeutic benefits of gardening, particularly for individuals who have experienced trauma. It discusses how gardening activities can help people regain resources they’ve lost due to traumatic events, such as housing and income, by offering a safe space to develop new skills and foster a sense of self. The paper uses real-life examples to show how gardening can provide emotional and psychological relief, as seen with Gerldine Wilson, who found solace and a sense of accomplishment through her time spent in the garden.

Additionally, the paper emphasizes the broader health benefits of being in and around nature, including improvements in physical, mental, and cognitive health. It cites various studies to illustrate how exposure to plants or green spaces can lead to better outcomes, such as reduced stress levels and enhanced recovery times after surgery. Overall, this research supports the idea that engaging with nature through gardening can be a powerful tool for community development and individual well-being.

Link

Koncikowski, J., & Capozziello, N. (2021). Therapeutic gardening: A community-led, community-wide approach. 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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