NEAHTA What is Horticultural Therapy

**What is Horticultural Therapy?**
Horticultural Therapy is: A process of using plants, directed by a horticultural therapist, through which people receive psychological, physical, social and/or educational benefits. Plants are used in hospitals, schools, correctional facilities, community gardens, senior centers, rehabilitation programs and other settings because they: Grow and change Respond to care but do not judge Encourage participation - help teach skills Stimulate the senses Rediscover hope - a look to the future "Gardening is one of the oldest healing arts; Yet as a science, it is very new among the therapeutic professions. This new science is called Horticultural Therapy." -- Dr. Diane Relf Horticultural Therapy offers individual and group projects that provide: Sensory stimulation Environmental enhancement Creative activities that involve body and mind Opportunities to improve concentration, motivation, work tolerance and manual dexterity Increased self confidence and the ability to cope with daily tasks A broader interest in our natural surroundings

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