Exploring the healing power of horticultural therapy in gardens

Facing problems related to health or stress issues? Well, nature has an answer to every problem. Gardening is therapeutic and features among the many healing methods. Try horticultural therapy, a structured practice that promotes healing and wellness by way of gardening and plant-related activities.

Horticultural therapy: Healing powers

Reduces stress: Engaging with the various plants and spending your time in gardens reduces anxiety. The entire process of being with nature, tending to the plants is soothing.

Helps in motor skills: Horticultural therapy suits people recovering from health problem. Gardening helps align motor skills like hand-eye coordination, movement of fingers and body-strength improvement.

Helps emotionally and psychologically: A person feels very safe and at peace when surrounded by lovely greens. Seeing a plant grow under your care boosts your confidence and helps you psychologically.

Plants used in horticultural therapy

Aromatic plants: Plants with calming effects like lavender, chamomile and jasmine that can reduce stress and anxiety are used in horticultural therapy.

Sensory plants: Plants that stimulate the senses like ferns, succulents etc.

Edible plants: Herbs like oregano, basil, coriander, mint, green leafy vegetables, brinjal, tomato and fruits.

Medicinal plants: Horticultural therapy programs include growing of medicinal plants such as tulsi, aloe vera, neem peppermint etc.

Ornamental plants: Plants with their aesthetic appeal and colourful nature uplift the mood and contribute wholly to the therapy.

Horticultural therapy: Designing a healing garden

Horticultural therapy has trained therapists who work with individuals, teach and train them and help achieve specific therapeutic goals.

• While designing a healing garden ensure that the garden is accessible to individuals with varying physical abilities. Pathways that is easy for people with wheelchairs to go through and raised plant beds for people with mobility challenges should be incorporated.
• All the body senses contribute in the healing process. So, while designing a healing garden, incorporate a variety of plants including flowers with fragrance, various colours, textured leaves and plants etc. that can combine to give a therapeutic experience.
• In your healing garden, do provide easy-to-use gardening tools that can be used by everyone alike.
• Ensure that the healing garden have ample shade and seating spaces for people to relax.

Got any questions or point of view on our article? We would love to hear from you. Write to our Editor-in-Chief Jhumur Ghosh at jhumur.ghosh1@housing.com