Using Horticulture as a Recreation Activity & Therapy

1. Using Horticulture as a Recreation Activity & Therapy THRC2104 MODALITIES

2. HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE • In 1768, Benjamin Rush considered that digging in the soil had a curative effect on the mentally ill, and by 1806 Spanish hospitals were also advocating this form of treatment. • By 1879, we have the first case of a greenhouse being built by the Pennsylvania Friends Asylum for the Insane for their residents. • During the Second World War, American garden club volunteers brought the joys of gardening to the wounded soldiers. • The first undergraduate degree was awarded from Michigan State University in 1955. • In the United States, the better-known variety of the therapy is practiced in an institutional environment with therapists working alongside rehabilitation and therapy teams. • The types of problems that benefit from this treatment are substance abusers, mental or physical disabilities, sensory impairments and geriatric problems. THRC2104 MODALITIES

3. GENERAL BENEFITS • Enhancing self-esteem; • Alleviating depression; • Improving motor skills; • Providing opportunities in problem solving; • Encouraging work adjustment; • Improving social interaction and communication; • Teaching marketable horticultural and business skills. THRC2104 MODALITIES

4. BENEFITS by DOMAINS PHYSICAL: • increase range of motion, • improve fine motor skills, • tone under used muscles, • improve coordination and balance, • Increase muscular strength. MENTAL:  • Increases independence, • increase self-esteem, • increase observation skills, • provides choices and ability to use problem solving skills, • encourages creativity, • provides outlet for stress, anger, and emotions. SOCIAL:  • opportunity to interact with others, • commitment to a living thing, • cooperation and team working skills, • dealing with success and failure, • provides an environment to learn and be inspired by others. THRC2104 MODALITIES

5. AHTA Definitions & Terms Horticulture Therapy: • active process which occurs in the context of an established treatment plan where the process itself is considered the therapeutic activity rather than the end product • facilitated by a trained therapist to achieve specific and documented treatment goals • found in a wide variety of healthcare, rehabilitative, and residential settings THRC2104 MODALITIES

6. AHTA Definitions & Terms Therapeutic Horticulture: • a process that uses plants and plant-related activities through which participants strive to improve their well-being through active or passive involvement. • goals are not clinically defined and documented but the leader will have training in the use of horticulture as a medium for human well-being THRC2104 MODALITIES

7. THRIVE: Using gardening to change lives(UK) Social & Therapeutic and therapeutic horticulture • is the process of using plants and gardens to improve physical and mental health • as well as communication and thinking skills. • uses the garden as a safe and secure place to develop someone's ability to mix socially & make friends • learn practical skills that will help them more independent. Social & Therapeutic Horticulture THRC2104 MODALITIES

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9. Benefits • It can help people to learn new skills • Can help slow down the deterioration • Change in mood • Connect with the natural world away from illness • Physical activity & movement • Motivation for self-care • Caring and nurturing a living, growing thing THRC2104 MODALITIES

10. Success Stories from THRIVE THRC2104 MODALITIES

11. AHTA Definitions & Terms Social Horticulture: • sometimes referred to as community horticulture • a leisure or recreational activity related to plants and gardening • No treatment goals are defined, no therapist is present, and the focus is on social interaction and horticulture activities THRC2104 MODALITIES

12. AHTA Definitions & Terms Vocational Horticulture: • focuses on providing training that enables individuals to work in the horticulture industry professionally, either independently or semi-independently • individuals may or may not have some type of disability THRC2104 MODALITIES

13. RESEARCH • Improves strength, stamina and mobility • Increases energy and endurance • Exercises hand-eye coordination • Encourages social interaction • Improves coping skills and motivation • Helps build good work habits and attitudes • Reduces anxiety, stress, and tension • Increases confidence and hopefulness • Rewards nurturing behavior THRC2104 MODALITIES

14. RESEARCH • Stimulates senses through observing, touching, tasting, and smelling plants • Improves concentration and ability to focus • Teaches new skills and provides job training • Improves problem-solving and planning skills • Exercises the memory and promotes positive thinking THRC2104 MODALITIES

15. TYPES OF GARDENS HEALING • designed as a retreat and a place of respite THERAPEUTIC • it has been designed to meet the needs of a specific user or population • should be designed as part of a multi-disciplinary collaborative process by a team of professionals HORTICULTURE THERAPY • designed to support primarily horticultural activities RESTORATIVE OR MEDITATION • employs the restorative value of nature to provide an environment conducive to mental repose, stress-reduction, emotional recovery, and the enhancement of mental and physical energy. THRC2104 MODALITIES

16. Activities of Plant Propagation SEEDS CUTTINGS DIVISION EXTERNAL “BABIES” BULBS & TUBERS THRC2104 MODALITIES