HORTICULTURAL therapy has been formally defined as a process that utilises plants and horticultural activities to improve social, educational, psychological and physical adjustment of persons; thus improving their mind, body and spirit.

Horticulture is that area of agriculture that includes fruits, vegetables, woody ornamental plants (trees, shrubs, vines and ground covers), flowers and small ornamental plants.
Horticulture is a valuable medium because it helps people to adjust to disabilities, learn new skills, renew confidence and develop self-esteem which can lead to new interest in life and improved mental and physical health.
Horticultural therapy involves the use of plants and related activities as tools to promote healing and rehabilitating people, particularly those with special needs.
Gardening, both indoor and outdoor, is an excellent tool for stress reduction and health management.
Plants help people become more aware of their environment and the world they live in.
When people are ‘gardening’, they are active participants in the process of nature; not passive observers.
Horticultural activities also serve as a source of relaxation, enjoyment, accomplishment and satisfaction.
It has been found that when people experience stress it is very helpful for them to have a view of nature.
Scientists have found that humans seek out nature or green spaces as a refuge because they are evolved from nature.
They have certain inherent response to landscapes that would have had high survival value to early humans such as savannah settings with canopied trees that indicate the close proximity of water
A recent study in the United States placed people under stress by showing a worker-safety film that depicted serious injuries with simulated blood and mutilation.
The participants in the study exhibited high levels of physiological stress recovery when shown video tapes of several natural scenes including trees, vegetation and a fast-moving stream.
Their rates of blood pressure, heart rate and muscle tension all went down.
Horticultural therapy programmes are used with various populations including persons with mental, emotional or physical impairments and the incarcerated.
The method is used in schools, hospitals, rehabilitation and care centers, and geriatric facilities.
Peaceful and tranquil are two words people frequently use to describe horticultural therapy.
At the individual level, stressed out people can find physical contact with nature; with green spaces, to be very effective in helping them to cope with their issues.

By Clifford Stanley