ABSTRACT
The horticultural therapist uses a variety of tools, techniques, and accommodations. Participants in horticultural therapy programs have an array of therapeutic goals, interests, abilities, and levels of functioning, and they represent diverse cultural backgrounds and ages. As a result, the horticultural therapist must be flexible and accommodate a range of populations in order to create a welcoming therapeutic environment and deliver person-centric services that enable, engage, and promote each person’s growth and development through horticultural activities. The therapist’s careful and appropriate application of communication techniques, such as active listening and prompting, and use of adaptive technology, including tools with safety or design features that enable task completion, isessential for client engagement. Implementation of safety protocols within program workspace and garden settings fosters a positive culture and atmosphere of safety among participants and staff members. Especially important are considerations for accessibility and use of plants, other materials, tools, and garden features. In addition, universally designed indoor and outdoor environments that appeal to a wide range of people enhance client experiences inside and outside the horticultural therapy program. The horticultural therapist is encouraged to employ creative problemsolving to enhance client accessibility and engagement fully.
