Horticulture for health is an umbrella term referring to wide-ranging activities, programs and services where horticulture is used in various capacities and applications that can positively impact health (Fleming, Diehl, Stark & Amil, 2021).
The five categories of horticulture for health cover a broad array of activities & services:
health services that use horticulture as an integral part with a therapeutic modality framework;
groups or movements using horticulture as the catalyst for social interactions;
landscapes for health, specifically designed landscapes;
Community of Practice Networking with Florida Horticulture for Health Network August 20, 2026 @ 12 noon eastern Register @ https://tinyurl.com/FLHHNnetworking Moderators: Lesley Fleming, MA, HTR, Katie Grimes, MAT, HTR & Zuzana Poláčková, MS, HTR Lesley Fleming, HTR leads the Florida and the Nova Scotia Horticulture for Health Networks, writes extensively on horticulture for health topics, leads the THAD initiative, and has worked with many of the special populations, from her homebase in Central Florida. Kathryn E. Grimes (Katie), HTR, MAT has guided outdoor and garden-based programming for over 20 years in contexts that include schools, a community garden, parks and recreation, early learning environments, and a large AZA-accredited zoo in Texas. Her special areas of expertise include designing and implementing therapeutic and sensory gardens, programs, walks, tours, and interactions that focus on care for the environment and affect human well-being. Zuzana Poláčková, MS, HTR is an accredited Trauma Healing Facilitator with the Trauma Healing Institute in the USA and Canada, and a doctoral researcher in horticultural therapy at the University of Salford, Manchester. Her work over the past decade including published papers, has focused on vulnerable populations, including survivors of human trafficking, through tailored therapeutic and community-based interventions in diverse international contexts. She currently serves as Resource Facilitator for Anti-Human Trafficking and Technical Advisor for Horticultural Therapy with Medical Ambassadors International and the Medical Ambassadors of Canada Association.
Congratulations to Katie Grimes MAT, HTR on recieving the Florida Horticulture For Health Network Professional Service Award! This recognition reflects their outstanding service, commitment and impact within our community. A huge thank you to Katie and her meaningful contributions and continued service to horticulture for health!
