Horticulture Therapy at Bullington Gardens
Horticultural Therapy (HT) engages people in gardening and plant-based activities to promote well-being and rehabilitation. A growing body of research shows that HT provides many physical, mental, and emotional benefits. Bullington Gardens uses HT to improve the lives of both children and adults in our community.
Based in the therapy garden and greenhouse, this program offers plant-based activities to Henderson County Public Schools students with special needs as a means of skill development, rehabilitation, and wellness. Students tend their own gardens, make nature crafts, and enjoy the gardens and grounds on a weekly basis.
Bullington Gardens’ trained Horticultural Therapists also work with clients at three behavioral health facilities in our area, as a complementary therapy to enhance recovery and rehabilitation, help clients build new skills, and provide opportunities for joy and creative expression.
What is horticultural therapy?
”Horticultural therapy techniques are employed to assist participants to learn new skills or regain those that are lost. Horticultural therapy helps improve memory, cognitive abilities, task initiation, language skills, and socialization. In physical rehabilitation, horticultural therapy can help strengthen muscles and improve coordination, balance, and endurance. In vocational horticultural therapy settings, people learn to work independently, problem-solve, and follow directions. Horticultural therapists are professionals with specific education, training, and credentials in the use of horticulture for therapy and rehabilitation.”
- American Horticultural Therapy Association
Our Horticulture Therapy Programs with Henderson County Public Schools
BOOST:
• Population: 10th grade students in HCPS Occupational Course of Study
• Goal of the Program: Teach vocational skills through working in the garden and designing garden beds.
Life Skills Class:
• Population: High school students (ages 13-21) in the Intensive Intervention classrooms through HCPS.
• Goal of Program: Provide positive social interactions; improve fine/gross motor skills.
Our Horticulture Therapy Programs with Other Organizations
Residential Onsite Program:
• Population: Adolescents in recovery from eating disorders and co-occurring mental
health issues.
• Goal of the Program: Provide therapeutic sessions that aid their recovery.
Residential Offsite Program:
• Population: Women in recovery from eating disorders and co-occurring mental health issues.
• Goal of the Program: Provide therapeutic sessions that aid their recovery.
Retirement Community:
• Population: Independent Retirees; individuals in assisted living with chronic health
conditions.
• Goal of the Program: Build community and aid in increasing quality of life/decrease stress.
Why Horticulture Therapy
Research often focuses on individuals with disabilities, older adults in assisted living, and those with mental health disorders. While more research is needed in the field, general consensus is that HT:
- Helps reduce depression and anxiety
- Provides social opportunities and increases feelings of well-being
- Helps improve gross and fine motor skills
- Improves quality of life
- Decreases stress
