THRC2104 MODALITIES 1

Using Horticulture as a Recreation Activity & Therapy

THRC2104 MODALITIES 2

HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE• In 1768, Benjamin Rush considered

that digging in the soil had a curative effect on the mentally ill, and by 1806 Spanish hospitals were also advocating this form of treatment.

• By 1879, we have the first case of a greenhouse being built by the Pennsylvania Friends Asylum for the Insane for their residents.

• During the Second World War, American garden club volunteers brought the joys of gardening to the wounded soldiers.

• The first undergraduate degree was awarded from Michigan State University in 1955.

• In the United States, the better-known variety of the therapy is practiced in an institutional environment with therapists working alongside rehabilitation and therapy teams.

• The types of problems that benefit from this treatment are substance abusers, mental or physical disabilities, sensory impairments and geriatric problems.

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GENERAL BENEFITS

• Enhancing self-esteem;• Alleviating depression;• Improving motor skills;• Providing opportunities in problem solving;• Encouraging work adjustment;• Improving social interaction and communication;• Teaching marketable horticultural and business

skills.

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BENEFITS by DOMAINS

PHYSICAL:  

• increase range of motion, • improve fine motor skills, • tone under used muscles, • improve coordination and balance, • Increase muscular strength.

MENTAL:  • Increases independence, • increase self-esteem, • increase observation skills, • provides choices and ability to use problem

solving skills, • encourages creativity, • provides outlet for stress, anger, and

emotions.

SOCIAL:  • opportunity to interact with others, • commitment to a living thing, • cooperation and team working skills, • dealing with success and failure, • provides an environment to learn

and be inspired by others.

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AHTA Definitions & Terms

Horticulture Therapy:• active process which occurs in the context of an

established treatment plan where the process itself is considered the therapeutic activity rather than the end product

• facilitated by a trained therapist to achieve specific and documented treatment goals

• found in a wide variety of healthcare, rehabilitative, and residential settings

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AHTA Definitions & Terms

Therapeutic Horticulture:• a process that uses plants and plant-related

activities through which participants strive to improve their well-being through active or passive involvement.

• goals are not clinically defined and documented but the leader will have training in the use of horticulture as a medium for human well-being

THRC2104 MODALITIES 7

THRIVE: Using gardening to change lives(UK)

Social & Therapeutic and therapeutic horticulture • is the process of using plants and gardens to improve

physical and mental health• as well as communication and thinking skills. • uses the garden as a safe and secure place to develop

someone's ability to mix socially & make friends • learn practical skills that will help them more independent.Social & Therapeutic Horticulture

THRC2104 MODALITIES 8

THRC2104 MODALITIES 9

Benefits

• It can help people to learn new skills

• Can help slow down the deterioration

• Change in mood• Connect with the

natural world away from illness

• Physical activity & movement

• Motivation for self-care• Caring and nurturing a

living, growing thing

THRC2104 MODALITIES 10

Success Stories from THRIVE

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AHTA Definitions & Terms

Social Horticulture:• sometimes referred to as community horticulture 

• a leisure or recreational activity related to plants and gardening

• No treatment goals are defined, no therapist is present, and the focus is on social interaction and horticulture activities

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AHTA Definitions & Terms

Vocational Horticulture:• focuses on providing training that enables

individuals to work in the horticulture industry professionally, either independently or semi-independently

• individuals may or may not have some type of disability

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RESEARCH

• Improves strength, stamina and mobility

• Increases energy and endurance

• Exercises hand-eye coordination

• Encourages social interaction

• Improves coping skills and motivation

• Helps build good work habits and attitudes

• Reduces anxiety, stress, and tension

• Increases confidence and hopefulness

• Rewards nurturing behavior

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RESEARCH

• Stimulates senses through observing, touching, tasting, and smelling plants

• Improves concentration and ability to focus• Teaches new skills and provides job training• Improves problem-solving and planning skills• Exercises the memory and promotes positive

thinking

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TYPES OF GARDENSHEALING• designed as a retreat and a place of respite

THERAPEUTIC• it has been designed to meet the needs of a specific user or population • should be designed as part of a multi-disciplinary collaborative process

by a team of professionals

HORTICULTURE THERAPY• designed to support primarily horticultural activities

RESTORATIVE OR MEDITATION• employs the restorative value of nature to provide an environment

conducive to mental repose, stress-reduction, emotional recovery, and the enhancement of mental and physical energy.

THRC2104 MODALITIES 16

Activities of Plant Propagation

SEEDS

CUTTINGS

DIVISION

EXTERNAL “BABIES”

BULBS & TUBERS