HorticulturalTherapy.txt

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HORTICULTURE: A THERAPEUTIC TOOL: Complete article by Diane Relf,
Professor of Horticulture found at
<http://www.hort.vt.edu/human/ht5a.html>

The specific goals toward which a horticultural therapy program is
directed may differ distinctly from one institution to another and from
one population of handicapped individuals to another. However, the
ultimate goal of these programs is the improved physical and mental
health of the individual. The benefits may be seen in four areas -
intellectual, social, emotional, and physical development.

Horticulture is not a new therapeutic tool. Before psychiatry became a
science, work in the garden was prescribed as a curative for ills of
the mind and nervous system.[1] In 1768, Benjamin rush maintained
that digging in the soil had a curative effect on the mentally ill, and
by 1806, hospitals in Spain were emphasizing the benefits of
agricultural and horticultural activities to the mental patients.[2]
Dr. Gregory in North Scotland was reported to have gained fame in the
early 1800s for curing insanity by compelling his patients to work on
his farm. Farming and gardening have been an important part of the work
therapy program at Pontiac State Hospital, Pontiac, Michigan, since it
was founded in 1878.[3] These early programs were primarily oriented
towards maintenance of the institution and the production of food.
However, as the therapeutic values of such activities became apparent,
emphasis shifted to programs more therapeutically oriented. Today
centers throughout the country are using horticulture for educational,
therapeutic and recreational purposes.

The specific goals toward which a horticultural therapy program is
directed may differ distinctly from one institution to another and from
one population of handicapped individuals to another. However, the
ultimate goal of these programs is the improved physical and mental
health of the individual. the benefits may be seen in four areas -
intellectual, social, emotional, and physical development.

Intellectual Benefits

1. Attainment of new skills. The individual gains many new abilities as
he learns the techniques and methods of horticulture such as plant
propagation, gardening, and flower arranging.

2. Improved vocabulary and communication skills. Participants in the
program learn new terms as well as new concepts.

3. Aroused sense of curiosity. Plants are fascinating. They arouse many
questions. How and why do plants grow the way that they do? They offer
opportunities for experimentation.

4. Increased powers of observation. Watching the interaction between
plants, man and animals helps develop deeper understanding and ability
to evaluate relationships. This also leads to improved ability to plan
and make decisions.

5. Vocational and prevocational training. Many different schools and
institutions place participants in horticultural related jobs after
completion of their programs.

6. Stimulation of sensory perceptions. Vision, hearing, touch, taste,
and smell all play an important role in gaining the full benefit from a
horticultural therapy program. At the same time that sensitivity to
one's surroundings increases the perception of details increases.

Social Benefits

1. Interaction within the group. The members of a group learn to relate
to one another in a more meaningful way as they work together toward a
common goal. They learn to respect the rights of others, to be more
cooperative, and to share responsibility. They also have an opportunity
to develop leadership qualities.

2. Interactions outside of the group. For individuals within an
institution as well as handicapped members of the community the
opportunity to meet with others at garden clubs, flower shows and on
field trips is an important experience in their social growth.The
opportunity to share the products of their own effort with others is
also an important aspect of horticultural therapy. The vegetable garden
at the Menninger Foundation has traditionally supplied food for several
youth homes in Topeka as well as for victims of emergency and disaster.
According to Dr. Will Menninger, "as they share the product of the work
with people less fortunate economically, patients picture themselves,
often for the first time, as productive members of society."[4]

Emotional Growth

1. Improved confidence and self esteem. Plant materials and activities
can be selected that guarantee some degree of success to the
participants in the program. Pride in the completed project, a sense of
responsibility and accomplishment, all lead to an improved
self-concept.

2. Opportunities to relieve aggressive drives in a socially acceptable
manner. From the breaking up of old flower pots for use in the
greenhouse to the clipping of hedges, a horticultural therapy program
provides many aggressive outlets, leading to improved self control
through redirection of these aggressive drives.

3. Activities that promote interest and enthusiasm for the future. This
is a particularly important aspect to the elderly and the emotionally
disturbed individuals who have lost interest in the future. Interest
can be rekindled as they anticipate a flower bud opening or a seed
germinating.

4. Opportunities for the satisfaction of creative drives. Creativity
and self expression are evident in flower arranging, landscaping and
many other aspects of horticulture.

Physical Benefits

1. Development and improvement of basic motor skills. Specific
activities can be used to improve muscle coordination and to train
unused muscles, for example, transplanting of seedlings can be used to
practice grasp and release and flexion of the thumb and forefinger.

2.Increased outdoor activities. Flower and vegetable gardens as well as
landscape maintenance activities provide many opportunities for
meaningful outdoor activities.

It is not necessary to have expensive facilities or a large garden to
initiate a successful horticultural therapy program. With imagination
and initiative even the most limited facilities can be modified to
accommodate horticultural activities. If there is no greenhouse
available, a sunny window can be used. If there is no window, special
lights can be installed for growing plants. If there is no place for a
garden, pot plants, dish gardens and terrariums can be used.

[1] O'Connor, Audrey, H. Horticulture as a Curative. Cornell
Plantation, Ithaca: 14 (3); 42, 1958.

[2] Watson, D.P. and Burlingame,
Alice W. "Therapy through Horticulture." New York: The MacMillian
Company, 1960.

[3] McCurry, Eleanor. "Flowers and Gardens - Therapy
Unlimited." Pontiac: Pontiac State Hospital, 1963.

[4] Menninger, Wm., MD. and Pratt, J.F. "The Therapy of
Gardening." Popular Gardening Vol. 54, 1957.

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