Exploring the Therapeutic Benefits of the Art of Horticulture: The Healing Power of Gardens.

It is proven that nature has a healing effect on the human body and mind. Companies like Google or Amazon have recognized this and created offices in nature for their employees. The concept of "horticultural therapy" is also becoming increasingly popular and is being investigated by experts.

What is horticultural therapy?

Horticultural therapy is the practical application of gardening activities to improve a person's physical and mental well-being. The therapy can be offered in the form of community gardens, individual therapy, or in collaboration with care facilities and hospitals.

The benefits of horticultural therapy

There are many benefits of gardening as therapy, including:

• Stress reduction
• Improvement of mood and self-esteem
• Improvement of physical activity
• Improvement of cognitive abilities
• Improvement of social interactions

How does horticultural therapy work?

Horticultural therapy can be beneficial for a variety of people and conditions, including:

• People with physical disabilities or injuries
• People with mental illnesses such as depression or anxiety disorders
• People with addiction disorders
• People with dementia or Alzheimer's disease
• People with autism spectrum disorders

The therapy can be individually adapted according to needs and goals. Some activities that can be used in therapy include:

• Planting or caring for flowers, herbs, or vegetables
• Creating garden art or crafts with natural materials
• Participating in animal care or observation, such as bird watching or visiting the zoo
• Providing opportunities for reflection and meditative practices to promote relaxation

Why is gardening as therapy so successful?

The therapeutic benefits of gardening can be achieved in various ways. One way is that the tasks performed in the garden distract the mind from negative thoughts. Additionally, the garden provides a peaceful environment that invites relaxation and switching off. Gardening also improves physical health as it requires physical movement. Caring for the growth of plants and observing the process provides a sense of fulfillment and self-worth.

Conclusion

There are many benefits of horticultural therapy, including stress reduction, mood improvement, social interaction, and cognitive enhancements. Gardening as therapy can be beneficial for many different population groups and can be offered in many different environments, including hospitals, nursing homes, or community gardens. It is proven that nature has a positive effect on the human body and mind, and gardening as therapy is a valuable way to utilize these therapeutic benefits.