ABSTRACT

Chapter 4 explores the many multifaceted assets, issues, and opportunities of the horticultural therapy profession, as well as those affecting practitioners, program sustainability, and employment. Gardening is a widespread and satisfying activity that positively affects an extensive variety of audiences. Exploring beyond the intrinsic benefits, the authors detail how the use of horticultural therapy describes itself as a purposeful intervention to affect individual health outcomes across ages, cultures, backgrounds, and abilities through the application of various treatment approaches. Opportunities to bolster awareness of horticultural therapy and of the beneficial effects of nature and innovative approaches to treatment are considered.

Key to program longevity and future policy making are professional credibility, public awareness and demand for services, program model development, and communication that clarifies the professional nature and processes used in the practice of horticultural therapy. Practitioners are urged to further market their programs, develop professional behaviors, create sound documentation tools, and contribute to the body of knowledge though research, publication, and the skillful application of clinical findings. In addition, horticultural therapists are advised to understand the effects of professional credentialing on public image and employment and make a case for hiring professionally trained practitioners.