What Is Horticultural Therapy?

By Alexandra Eller

Have you heard of horticultural therapy? It’s a therapeutic modality that has gained traction over the past few years, but what does it really involve and how can it be of benefit?

Horticultural therapy can be broadly defined as the use of nature, plants and outdoor environments and activities to improve wellbeing and is widely used within rehabilitative, vocational and community settings. A horticultural therapist is formally trained in both human and plant sciences however many allied health professionals, including psychologists, can utilise the principles of horticultural therapy in their work with people.

Clinical Use

A psychologist might move their client’s usual session into a guided nature walk outdoors, or they might work with other professionals to develop a group therapy program in a garden setting with targeted goals and outcomes for participants. The horticultural aspect can serve as either the background or the vehicle to therapy. There’s a considerable body of evidence on the positive health outcomes associated with engaging with nature for people of all ages and neurotypes, so it makes sense that engaging in therapy whilst in these settings can lead to improved engagement and outcomes for many clients. In a 2021 case study, moving the classroom outdoors into nature helped autistic students develop both academic and interpersonal skills, and a 2011 study had similar results for ADHDers performing a concentration task after a walk in a park versus a walk in a built-up environment. There’s even evidence that microbes commonly found in garden soil can promote stress resilience – see here for a very wordy paper from Foxx et al (2021).

Catering to Different Preferences and Abilities

Gardening lends itself to a range of passive and active tasks that can be tailored to suit different ability levels. This could be anything from simply experiencing nature to getting your hands stuck in some dirt – you can reap the benefits with either! There are many jobs and activities in a garden that can be done in a group or individually, yet both are working towards a common goal which can help to foster a sense of connection between participants. There is something for everyone in the garden, and you don’t have to be a ‘green thumb’ to contribute nor does everyone have to do the same thing. Some people may flourish in the role of seedling planting, others may prefer to focus on drafting the ideal garden bed layout, or to water the plants. Just like any thriving ecosystem, one part can’t exist without the other. This collaborative spirit is a big part of horticultural practice, and can help participants to identify their personal strengths, connect, and problem-solve with others.

Benefits of a Sensory Garden

Gardens are often dynamic spaces that offer areas for gathering, for solitude, for relaxation and emotion regulation, and of course for plants! For individuals who might be prone to sensory overwhelm or underwhelm, a sensory garden is designed to be inclusive and calming spaces with different textures, scents and colours to explore and cater for the varied needs of sensory ‘seekers’ and sensory ‘avoiders’. These spaces are also often designed with areas of refuge for those experiencing sensory overload, with a range of seating and shading options. Lamb’s ears, once used in times of war as bandages because of its soft texture and astringent properties, is a lovely & easy plant to grow in a sensory garden for tactile input.

Getting Started at Home

You might like to start working on a sensory garden or a veggie patch at home, and there are many online gardening communities that can provide support and low-cost tips on getting started. Similarly, you don’t need a lot of space to reap the benefits. These online groups often provide many nifty ideas for items that can be repurposed into a raised garden bed, and what grows best where (hint – radishes are one of the fastest and easiest vegetables to grow if you’re looking for fast results!).

Gardens extend a gentle and affirming invitation to anyone who enters them and offer a wonderful opportunity for people to feel safe on their own terms. The growing evidence base for the benefits of horticultural therapy just confirm what many of us already know – gardening is good for mind body & soul!

If you are interested in finding out more about group therapy programs at TKC, or would like to express your interest in a horticultural therapy group facilitated by Zandra, please contact our friendly Client Care Team at admin@kiddclinic.com.au.

Friedman, S., & Morrison, S. A. (2021). “I just want to stay out there all day”: A case study of two special educators and five autistic children learning outside at school. Frontiers in Education, 6. https://doi.org/10.3389/feduc.2021.668991

Masterton, W., Carver, H., Parkes, T., & Park, K. (2020). Greenspace interventions for mental health in clinical and non-clinical populations: What works, for whom, and in what circumstances? Health & Place, 64, 1-19. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.healthplace.2020.102338

Scartazza, A., Mancini, M. L., Proietti, S., Moscatello, S., Mattioni, C., Costantini, F., Di Baccio, D., Villani, F., & Massacci, A. (2020). Caring local biodiversity in a healing garden: Therapeutic benefits in young subjects with autism. Urban Forestry & Urban Greening, 47, 2-11. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ufug.2019.126511

Unsworth, S., Palicki, S.-K., & Lustig, J. (2016). The impact of mindful meditation in nature on self-nature interconnectedness. Mindfulness, 7(5), 1052–1060. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12671-016-0542-8

Van Den Berg, A. E., & Custers, M. H. G. (2010). Gardening promotes neuroendocrine and affective restoration from stress. Journal of Health Psychology, 16(1), 3–11. https://doi.org/10.1177/1359105310365577