ABSTRACT
Introduction ...................................................................................................... 38 Horticulture as a vehicle to meet wide-ranging goals ................................ 39
Physical ......................................................................................................... 39 Cognitive ...................................................................................................... 40 Sensory stimulation .................................................................................... 40 Emotional ..................................................................................................... 41 Interpersonal/social .................................................................................... 44 Community integration .............................................................................. 45
Activity or task selection to meet treatment objectives .............................. 46 Beyond activity ............................................................................................ 46 Type of program or facility ........................................................................ 47
Vocational organizations ....................................................................... 47 Long-term care ........................................................................................ 47 Short-term or acute care ........................................................................ 48 Psychiatric................................................................................................ 49 Physical rehabilitation ........................................................................... 49 Schools...................................................................................................... 49 Corrections .............................................................................................. 50 Wellness or health promotion ............................................................... 50 Community gardens .............................................................................. 50
Treatment issues/goals ................................................................................... 50 Participants’ backgrounds, likes, and dislikes ............................................. 51 Situational assessment ..................................................................................... 51 Program continuity for individual development ........................................ 53 Additional considerations for activity planning ......................................... 54
Resources and restrictions within a setting ............................................. 54 Staffing .......................................................................................................... 54 Risk management ........................................................................................ 55
Introduction Horticultural therapy facilitates connection between people and plantsbetween people and nature. This connection is the essence of how and why gardening activities are such powerful catalysts for positive human development. The garden provides people with a multitude of opportunities for seeing themselves, and the world, from a new perspective. Its associated activities can be used for consciously enhancing spiritual connections and growth. As activities are chosen, it is imperative that therapists look first to the garden to find those natural activities that enhance this relationship (Figure 3.1).
