Horticultural Therapy & Health Services
Health services that use horticulture as an integral part within a therapeutic modality framework include:
Horticultural therapy (HT) & Therapeutic horticulture (TH)
Allied therapeutic modalities- (occupational, recreation, physical therapy)
Nature-based therapies- (ecotherapy, ecopsychology, wilderness camps, aromatherapy, forest bathing, veteran to farmer programs)
Some of these disciplines and programs require specialized training and credentialing.
Horticultural therapy (HT) & Therapeutic horticulture (TH)
Allied therapeutic modalities- (occupational, recreation, physical therapy)
Nature-based therapies- (ecotherapy, ecopsychology, wilderness camps, aromatherapy, forest bathing, veteran to farmer programs)
Some of these disciplines and programs require specialized training and credentialing.
HORTICULTURAL THERAPY & THERAPEUTIC HORTICULTURE (HT & TH)
Key Organizations
The American Horticultural Therapy Association (AHTA)
“Horticultural Therapy (HT) is the participation in horticultural activities facilitated by a registered horticultural therapist to achieve specific goals within an established treatment, rehabilitation, or vocational plan. Horticultural therapy is an active process which occurs in the context of an established treatment plan where the process itself is considered the therapeutic activity rather than the end product.
Therapeutic Horticulture (TH) is the participation in horticultural activities facilitated by a registered horticultural therapist or other professionals with training in the use of horticulture as a therapeutic modality to support program goals. Therapeutic horticulture is the process through which participants enhance their well-being through active or passive involvement in plant and plant-related activities” (AHTA, 2021).
Research being done nationally and internationally continues to expand the knowledge base of the field including physiological and other health domain impacts across populations. These include neuropsychological improvement of hospitalized children (Abu Dabrh et al., 2022), depression intervention (Chen, 2022; Chu et al., 2019), cancer patients’ psychological well-being (Mori et al., 2021; Sharma et al., 2022), adolescents with anorexia nervosa (Curzio et al., 2022), extrapyramidal symptoms in patients with schizophrenia (He et al., 2021), and postoperative rehabilitation of hand injuries (Huang et al., 2019) among others.
“Horticultural Therapy (HT) is the participation in horticultural activities facilitated by a registered horticultural therapist to achieve specific goals within an established treatment, rehabilitation, or vocational plan. Horticultural therapy is an active process which occurs in the context of an established treatment plan where the process itself is considered the therapeutic activity rather than the end product.
Therapeutic Horticulture (TH) is the participation in horticultural activities facilitated by a registered horticultural therapist or other professionals with training in the use of horticulture as a therapeutic modality to support program goals. Therapeutic horticulture is the process through which participants enhance their well-being through active or passive involvement in plant and plant-related activities” (AHTA, 2021).
Research being done nationally and internationally continues to expand the knowledge base of the field including physiological and other health domain impacts across populations. These include neuropsychological improvement of hospitalized children (Abu Dabrh et al., 2022), depression intervention (Chen, 2022; Chu et al., 2019), cancer patients’ psychological well-being (Mori et al., 2021; Sharma et al., 2022), adolescents with anorexia nervosa (Curzio et al., 2022), extrapyramidal symptoms in patients with schizophrenia (He et al., 2021), and postoperative rehabilitation of hand injuries (Huang et al., 2019) among others.
Books, journals & epublications on horticultural therapy & therapeutic horticulture
AHTA Magazine
American Horticultural Therapy Association Resources
Cultivate epublication (Florida Horticulture for Health Network)
Digging In epublication
Cooper Marcus, C. & Sachs, N. (2013). Therapeutic Landscapes: An Evidence-Based Approach to
Designing Healing Gardens and Restorative Outdoor Spaces. Wiley.
Fleming, L. (2016). Therapeutic Horticulture A Practitioner’s Perspective. Smashwords.
Haller, R., Kennedy, K. & Capra, C. (2019). The Profession and Practice of Horticultural Therapy. CRC
Press.
Haller, R. L. & C. L. Kramer. (2006). Horticultural Therapy Methods: Making Connections in Health
Care, Human Service, and Community Programs. Hawthorne Press.
Journal of Therapeutic Horticulture
Layman, G. (2018). Gather & Make. Azara Publishing.
Simson, S.P. & Straus, M.C. (2003). Horticulture as Therapy: Principles and Practice. CRC Press.
American Horticultural Therapy Association Resources
Cultivate epublication (Florida Horticulture for Health Network)
Digging In epublication
Cooper Marcus, C. & Sachs, N. (2013). Therapeutic Landscapes: An Evidence-Based Approach to
Designing Healing Gardens and Restorative Outdoor Spaces. Wiley.
Fleming, L. (2016). Therapeutic Horticulture A Practitioner’s Perspective. Smashwords.
Haller, R., Kennedy, K. & Capra, C. (2019). The Profession and Practice of Horticultural Therapy. CRC
Press.
Haller, R. L. & C. L. Kramer. (2006). Horticultural Therapy Methods: Making Connections in Health
Care, Human Service, and Community Programs. Hawthorne Press.
Journal of Therapeutic Horticulture
Layman, G. (2018). Gather & Make. Azara Publishing.
Simson, S.P. & Straus, M.C. (2003). Horticulture as Therapy: Principles and Practice. CRC Press.
Research & articles on horticultural therapy & therapeutic horticulture
Recently published selected research & articles:
Abu Dabrh, A.M., Meore, A., Wilson, E.W. & Perlman, A. (2022). Horticultural therapy: An ancient integrative approach for modern times. J Integr Complement Med., 28(4), 290-293. doi: 10.1089/jicm.2021.0174
Allah Yar, M. & Kazemi, F. (2020). The role of dish gardens on the physical and neuropsychological improvement of hospitalized children. Urban Forestry & Urban Greening, 53. doi.org/10.1016/j.ufug.2020.126713
Beyliklioğlu, A. & Arslan, S. (2019). Effect of lavender oil on the anxiety of patients before breast surgery. Journal of PeriAnesthesia Nursing, 34(3), 587-593. doi: 10.1016/j.jopan.2018.10.002
Blake, M. & Mitchell, G. (2016). Horticultural therapy in dementia care: A literature review. Nursing Standards, 30(21), 41-7. doi: 10.7748/ns.30.21.41.s44
Buru, T., Kallay, E., Olar, L.E., Stefan, R., Cantor, M., Papuc, I. & Buta, E. (2021). Studies regarding the influence of therapeutic horticulture on the human-nature relationship and the increase of well-being. ISHS Acta Horticulturae 1330: XV International People Plant Symposium and II International Symposium on Horticultural Therapies: The Role of Horticulture in Human Well-being and Social Development.
Chen, H. (2021). The effect of horticultural therapy in depression intervention. Journal of Landscape Research, 13(6), 13-22.
Chen, H.M. & Tu, H.M. (2014). Effects of horticultural therapy on cancer patients’ psychological well-being in different therapeutic environments. Conference Paper ASHS Annual Conference.
Chua, M., Tan, J., Lee, S., Sia, A., Ng, M.K.W., Mahendran, R., Kua, E.H., Ho, R.C.M. & Larbi, A. (2021). Horticultural therapy reduces biomarkers of immunosenescence and inflammaging in community-dwelling older adults: A feasibility pilot randomized controlled trial. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci., 76(2), 307-317. doi: 10.1093/gerona/glaa271
Chu, H.Y., Chen, M.F., Tsai, C.C., Chan, H.S. & Wu, T.L. (2019). Efficacy of a horticultural activity program for reducing depression and loneliness in older residents of nursing homes in Taiwan. Geriatr Nurs., 40(4), 386-391. doi: 10.1016/j.gerinurse.2018.12.012
Cipriani, J., Benz, A., Holmgren, A. et al. (2022). A systematic review of the effects of horticultural therapy on persons with mental health conditions. Occupational Therapy Mental Health, 33(1), 47-69.
Curzio, O., Billeci, L., Belmonti ,V., Colantonio, S., Cotrozzi, L., De Pasquale, C.F., Morales, M.A., Nali, C., Pascali, M.A., Venturi, F., Tonacci, A., Zannoni, N. & Maestro, S. (2022). Horticultural therapy may reduce psychological and physiological stress in adolescents with anorexia nervosa: A pilot study. Nutrients, 14(24), 5198. doi: 10.3390/nu14245198
Diehl, E., Morrison, D. & Tisher, C. (2019). Therapeutic horticulture as a quality of life intervention in chronic hemodialysis patients. Journal of Therapeutic Horticulture, 29(2), 1-13.
Diehl, E. & Park Brown, S. (2016). Horticultural therapy. University of Florida IFAS Extension. https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/EP145
Fleming, L., Zhang, W. & Nelson, K. (2022). Horticulture for health in U.S. hospitals: Horticultural therapy, gardens in hospitals, nutrition-led programs & affiliated community gardens. Journal of Therapeutic Horticulture, 35(1), 13-32.
Fleming, L. (2022). Relevancy of sense of taste to horticultural therapy. Journal of Therapeutic Horticulture, 35(1), 33-40.
Fleming, L. & Sampson, K. (2022). Feeding and eating disorders and horticultural therapy. Cultivate, 2(4), 1-5.
Fleming, L. & Wilson, C. (2021). Compassion satisfaction and compassion fatigue [applications for HT]. Digging In, 7(4), 1-3.
Fleming, L. (2021). Superfood garlic: Applications for people-plant programs. Digging In, 7(3), 1-3.
Fleming, L. (2017). Laughter therapy and horticultural therapy: Cross-pollination. Journal of Therapeutic Horticulture, 27(2), 39-50.
Fried, G.G. & Wichrowski, M.J. (2008). Horticultural therapy: A psychosocial treatment option at the Stephen D. Hassenfeld Children's Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders. Primary Psychiatry, 15(7), 73–77.
Gianquinto, G., Righetto, C., Marino, V., D’Imperop. D. & Meneghello, F. (2021). The perceived restorativeness scale supports horticultural therapy in hospital green areas, data from 294 questionnaires. ISHS Acta Horticulturae 1313: International Symposium on Horticultural Therapies: Past, Present and Future.
Guglielmetti Mugion, R. & Menicucci, E. (2021). Understanding the benefits of horticultural therapyon paediatric patient's well-being during hospitalization. The TQM Journal, 33(4), 856-881. https://doi.org/10.1108/TQM-04-2020-0078
Gulczyriska, A. (2017). Horticultural therapy and gardening – comparison of dimensions.
Hall, J., Mitchell, G., Webber, C. & Johnson, K. (2018). Effect of horticultural therapy on wellbeing among dementia day care programme participants: A mixed-methods study (Innovative Practice). Dementia (London), 17(5), 611-620. doi: 10.1177/1471301216643847
Hart, B. & Zanskas, S. (2021). Cultivating care: Trauma, homeless veterans, and nature-based therapy. Journal of Therapeutic Horticulture, 31(1), 25-38.
He, H., Li, T., Zhou, F., Yang, Q., Hu, L. & Yu, Y. (2021). The therapeutic effect of edible horticultural therapy on extrapyramidal symptoms in patients with schizophrenia. HortScience, 56(9), 1125-1129.
Huang, W., Liu, L., Murong, J., Wang, Z., Cui, S. & Yan, W. (2019). Environmental effect of horticultural therapy on postoperative rehabilitation of hand injuries. Ekoloji, 28(107), 4413-4417.
Hung, S.H. & Chang, C.Y. (2021). Biophilia and qi experience in horticultural therapy. ISHS Acta Horticulturae 1330: XV International People Plant Symposium and II International Symposium on Horticultural Therapies: The Role of Horticulture in Human Well-being and Social Development.
Im, E.A, Park, S.A. & Son, K.C. (2018). Developing evaluation scales for horticultural therapy. Complement Ther Med., 37, 29-36. doi: 10.1016/j.ctim.2018.01.008
Jang, E.J., Yun, S.Y., Choi, B.J. & Lee, N.H. (2017). Survey of plants and types of horticultural therapy program in hospitals. Journal of People, Plants, and Environment, 20(2), 159-164.
Joy, Y.S., Lee, A.Y. & Park, S.A. (2020). A horticultural therapy program focused on succulent cultivation for the vocational rehabilitation training of individuals with intellectual disabilities. Int J Environ Res Public Health., 17(4), 1303. doi: 10.3390/ijerph17041303
Jueng, R.N. & Chen, I.J. (2022). The effects of horticultural therapy on sense of coherence among residents of long-term care facilities: A quasi experimental design. Int J Environ Res Public Health., 19(9), 5412. doi: 10.3390/ijerph19095412
Kamioka, H., Tsutani, K., Yamada, M., Park, H., Okuizumi, H., Honda, T., Okada, S., Park, S., Kitayuguchi, J., Abe, T., Handa, S. & Mutoh, Y. (2014). Effectiveness of horticultural therapy: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials. Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 22(5), 930-943.
Kenmochi, T., Kenmochi, A. & Hoshiyama, M. (2019). Effects of horticultural therapy on symptoms and future perspective of patients with schizophrenia in the chronic stage. Journal of Therapeutic Horticulture, 29, 1–10.
Kikukawa, H. & Toyoda, M. (2021). Gardening programs based on METs (average and maximum values) and HR are needed for elderly people requiring support. ISHS Acta Horticulturae 1330: XV International People Plant Symposium and II International Symposium on Horticultural Therapies: The Role of Horticulture in Human Well-being and Social Development.
Kim K.H, & Park S.A. (2018). Horticultural therapy program for middle-aged women’s depression, anxiety, and self-identify. Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 39, 154 159. doi.org/10.1016/j.ctim.2018/06.008
Kim, Y.H., Park, C.S., Bae, H.O., Lim, E.J., Kang, K.H., Lee, E.S., ... & Huh, M.R. (2020). Horticultural therapy programs enhancing quality of life and reducing depression and burden for caregivers of elderly with dementia. Journal of People Plants Environment, 23, 305-320.
Koncikowski, J. & Capozziello, N. (2021). Therapeutic gardening: A community-led, community-wide approach. ISHS Acta Horticulturae 1330: XV International People Plant Symposium and II International Symposium on Horticultural Therapies: The Role of Horticulture in Human Well-being and Social Development.
Korah, T., Morrison, D., Mason, D., Diehl, E.R. & Bussing, R. (2021). Therapeutic horticulture as a therapeutic intervention in patients receiving electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) treatment for major depressive disorder. Cureus., 13(8), e17363. doi: 10.7759/cureus.17363
Lai, C.K., Ho, L.Y., Kwan, R.Y., Fung, C.Y. & Mak, Y.W. (2017). An exploratory study on the effect of horticultural therapy for adults with intellectual disabilities. Journal of Therapeutic Horticulture, 27(1), 3-15.
신애박, 지영이, 아영이, 시운박, & 기철손. (2015). Horticultural therapy program based on the stress immunization training for reducing depression symptom in the patients with stroke. Journal of Korean Society for People, Plants and Environment, 18(3), 159-167.
Lee, G.S., Yun, S.Y., Choi, H.S. & Choi, B.J. (2018). Effects of color stimuli application in horticultural therapy on the changes in challenging behaviors of the developmentally disabled. J. People Plant Environ., 21(4), 263-269.
Li, S.H., Bi, X.F., Chen, B.J., Xiang, P.T. & Zhang, X.L. (2021). Ideological characteristics and origin of oriental horticultural therapy from the perspective of Chinese traditional culture. ISHS Acta Horticulturae 1313: International Symposium on Horticultural Therapies: Past, Present and Future.
Lee, A.Y., Kim, S.Y., Kwon, H.J. & Park, S.A. (2021). Horticultural therapy program for mental health of prisoners: Case report. Integr Med Res., 10(2), 100495. doi: 10.1016/j.imr.2020.100495
Li, Y.L., Li, F., Gui, Z. & Gao, W.B. (2022). Promoting effect of horticultural therapy on college students' positive psychological quality. Front Psychol., 26, 13:864147. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.864147.
Lin, Y., Lin, R., Liu, W. & Wu, W. (2022). Effectiveness of horticultural therapy on physical functioning and psychological health outcomes for older adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Clin Nurs., 31(15-16), 2087-2099. doi: 10.1111/jocn.16095
Lin, T.Y., Huang, C.M., Hsu, H.P., Liao, J.Y., Cheng, V.Y., Wang, S.W. & Guo, J.L. (2020). Effects of a combination of three-dimensional virtual reality and hands-on horticultural therapy on institutionalized older adults' physical and mental health: Quasi-experimental design. J Med Internet Res., 22(11), e19002. doi: 10.2196/19002
Liu, T., LI, M., Ji, Q., Chen, Y., Li, C., Zhou, F., ... & He, H. (2022). Value of edible horticultural therapy for schizophrenic. Food Science and Technology, 42.
Lo, S.K.L., Lam, W.Y.Y., Kwan, R.Y.C., Tse, M.M.Y., Lau, J.K.H. & Lai C.K.Y. (2019). Effects of horticultural therapy: Perspectives of frail and pre-frail older nursing home residents. Nurs Open., 6(3), 1230-1236. doi: 10.1002/nop2.323
Lu, L.C., Lan, S.H., Hsieh, Y.P., Yen, Y.Y., Chen, J.C. & Lan, S.J. (2020). Horticultural therapy in patients with dementia: A systematic review and meta-analysis. American Journal Alzheimers Disease &
Other Dementias, 35. doi: 10.1177/1533317519883498
Masel, E.K., Trinczek, H., Adamidis, F., Schur, S., Unseld, M., Kitta, A., Kirchheiner, K., Steininger, B., Meixner-Katzmann, K. & Watzke, H. (2018). Vitamin “G”arden: A qualitative study exploring perception/s of horticultural therapy on a palliative care ward. Support Care Cancer, 26, 1799-1805. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-017-3978-z
Meore, A., Sun, S., Byma, L., Alter, S., Vitale, A., Podolak, E., Gibbard, B., Adams, T., Boyer, J., Galfalvy, H., Yehuda, R., Feder, A. & Haghighi, F. (2021). Pilot evaluation of horticultural therapy in improving overall wellness in veterans with history of suicidality. Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 59, 102728. doi: 10.1016/j.ctim.2021.102728
Millet, P. (2009). Integrating horticulture into the vocational rehabilitation process of Individuals with fatigue, chronic fatigue, and burnout: A theoretical model. Journal of Therapeutic Horticulture, 19, 11-22.
Mita, S., Hosokawa, M. & Hayashi, T. (2021). The effect of reproducing two-dimensional photographs of flower arrangements in three dimensions on prefrontal blood flow in elderly patients with dementia. ISHS Acta Horticulturae 1330: XV International People Plant Symposium and II International Symposium on Horticultural Therapies: The Role of Horticulture in Human Well-being and Social Development.
Mita, S., Hosokawa, M. & Hayashi, T. (2021). Appropriate horticultural tasks setting considering patient’s self-efficacy and personality: Modeling the therapist’s perspective on elderly patients with dementia. ISHS Acta Horticulturae 1330: XV International People Plant Symposium and II International Symposium on Horticultural Therapies: The Role of Horticulture in Human Well-being and Social Development.
Miyake, Y., Isomura, Y. & Fleming, L. (2022). Virtual horticultural therapy: A qualitative study capturing university students’ perspectives on benefits, challenges and future issues. Health Education & Public Health, 5(2), 488-48. doi: 10.31488/HEPH.176
Mochizuki-Kawai, H., Sakaba, T. & Yamakawa, Y. (2021). Indoor horticultural therapy for older adults living in a nursing home: Bedside structured floral arrangement program. Geriatr Gerontol Int., 21(6), 538-539. doi: 10.1111/ggi.14155
Monteclaro, C. (2022). Adapting horticultural therapy as fall prevention among community-dwelling older adults. Journal of Therapeutic Horticulture, 35(1), 1-12.
Mori, Y., Kugel, J., Krpalek, D., Javaherian-Dysinger, H. & Gharibvand, L. (2021). Occupational therapy and therapeutic horticulture for women with cancer and chronic pain: A pilot study. The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy, 9(2), 1-14.
Mottershead, R. & Ghisoni, M. (2021). Horticultural therapy, nutrition, and post-traumatic stress disorder in post-military veterans: Developing non-pharmaceutical interventions to complement existing therapeutic approaches. F1000Res., 3, 10, 885. doi: 10.12688/f1000research.70643.1.
Nicholas, S.O., Giang, A.T. & Yap, P.L.K. (2019). The effectiveness of horticultural therapy on older adults: A systematic review. Journal American Medical Directors Association, 20(10),
1351.e1-1351.e11. doi: 10.1016/j.jamda.2019.06.021
Ng, T.K.S., Gan, D.R.Y., Mahendran, R., Kua, E.H. & Ho, R.C. (2021). Social connectedness as a mediator for horticultural therapy's biological effect on community-dwelling older adults: Secondary analyses of a randomized controlled trial. Soc Sci Med., 284, 114191. doi: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2021.114191
NYU Langone Health. (2022). Horticultural therapy for adults.
Oh, Y.A., Lee, A.Y., An, K.J. & Park, S.A. (2020). Horticultural therapy program for improving emotional well-being of elementary school students: An observational study. Integr Med Res., 9(1), 37-41. doi: 10.1016/j.imr.2020.01.007
Oh, Y.A., Park, S.A. & Ahn, B.E. (2018). Assessment of the psychopathological effects of a horticultural therapy program in patients with schizophrenia. Complement Ther Med., 36, 54-58. doi: 10.1016/j.ctim.2017.11.019
Palsdottir, A.M., O’Brien, L., Varning Poulson, D. & Dolling, A. (2021). Exploring a migrant’s sense of belonging through participation in a urban agricultural vocational training program in Sweden. Journal of Therapeutic Horticulture, 31(1), 10-24.
Palsdottir, A.M. (2021). Horticulture programs for health and well-being at the Alnarp Rehabilitation Garden. ISHS Acta Horticulturae 1330: XV International People Plant Symposium and II International Symposium on Horticultural Therapies: The Role of Horticulture in Human Well-being and Social Development.
Park, K.H., Kim, S.Y. & Park, S.A. (2022). Efficacy of a horticultural therapy program designed for emotional stability and career exploration among adolescents in juvenile detention centers. Int J Environ Res Public Health., 19(14), 8812. doi: 10.3390/ijerph19148812
Park, SA. (2021). Theory and constructs of using horticulture for health and well-being. ISHS Acta Horticulturae 1330: XV International People Plant Symposium and II International Symposium on Horticultural Therapies: The Role of Horticulture in Human Well-being and Social Development.
Park, SA. & Yoo, NY. (2021). Effectiveness of a horticultural therapy program for healthy aging. ISHS Acta Horticulturae 1330: XV International People Plant Symposium and II International Symposium on Horticultural Therapies: The Role of Horticulture in Human Well-being and Social Development.
Pieters, H.C, Ayala, L., Schneider, A., Wicks, N., Levine-Dickman, A. & Clinton, S. (2018). Gardening on a psychiatric inpatient unit: Cultivating recovery. Archives of Psychiatric Nursing, 33(1), 57-64.
doi: 10.1016/j.apnu.2018.10.001
Pretty, J. & Barton, J. (2020). Nature-based interventions and mind–body interventions: Saving public health costs whilst increasing life satisfaction and happiness. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17(21), 7769. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17217769 (refers to TH)
Quick, J.S., Robishaw, S.B., Baylor, K.A., Snyder, D.I. & Han, J.J. (2017). Vegetable garden as therapeutic horticulture for patients with chronic pain. Pain Medicine, 18(11), 2252-2254.
Ra, E.H., Yun, S.Y. & Choi, B.J. (2018). The effects of horticultural therapy using lavandula stoechas on vital signs, pain, and sleep satisfaction of hospice patients. Journal of People, Plants, and Environment, 21(4), 271-277.
Ryzhikov, K. (2021). Virtual therapeutic horticulture – A social wellness program for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. ISHS Acta Horticulturae 1330: XV International
People Plant Symposium and II International Symposium on Horticultural Therapies: The Role of Horticulture in Human Well-being and Social Development.
Salachna, P. & Zawadzińska, A. (2019). Horticultural therapy in the landscape architecture: People-plant interactions. World Scientific News, 133, 1-11.
Shao, Y., Elsadek, M. & Liu, B. (2020). Horticultural activity: Its contribution to stress recovery and wellbeing for children. International Journal Environ Res Public Health, 17(4), 1229. doi:
10.3390/ijerph17041229
Sharma, H., Pankratz, V.S., Demark-Wahnefried, W., Pestak, C.R. & Blair, C.K. (2022). Association between quality of life and physical functioning in a gardening intervention for cancer survivors. Healthcare, 10(8), 1421. doi: 10.3390/healthcare10081421
Shen, JL., Hung, BL. & Fang, SH. (2022). Horticulture therapy affected the mental status, sleep quality, and salivary markers of mucosal immunity in an elderly population. Sci Rep., 12, 10246 https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-022-14534-x
Shoemaker, C.A. (2016). Does horticultural therapy fit in integrative medicine? XIII International People Plant Symposium: Plants, Cultures and Healthy Communities, 1246, 11-16.
Sia, A. & Diehl, E. (2020). Nature-based activities for older adults: A case study in Singapore. Journal of Therapeutic Horticulture, 30(1), 66-75.
Siu, A.M.H., Kam, M. & Mok I. (2020). Horticultural therapy program for people with mental illness: A mixed-method evaluation. International Journal Environ Res Public Health, 17(3), 711.
doi:10.3390/ijerph17030711
Smith-Carrier, T.A., Béres, L., Johnson, K., Blake, C. & Howard, J. (2021). Digging into the experiences of therapeutic gardening for people with dementia: An interpretative phenomenological analysis. Dementia (London), 20(1), 130-147. doi: 10.1177/1471301219869121
Sommerfield, A., McFarland, A., Waliczek, T.M. & Zajicek, J. (2021). Use of gardening programs as an intervention to children’s visual-motor integration. HortTechnology, 31(5). https://doi.org/10.21273/HORTTECH04887-21
Spano, G., D’Este, M., Giannico, V., Carrus, G., Elia, M., Lafortezza, R., Panno, A. & Sanesi, G. (2020). Are community gardening and horticultural interventions beneficial for psychosocial well-being? A meta-analysis. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17 (10), 3584.
Starling, LA. (2016). Horticultural therapy with special populations. In Waliczek & Zajicek (Eds.) Urban Horticulture. Routledge, 205.
Stowell, D.R., Fly, M., Klingeman, W.E., Beyl, C.A., Wozencroft, A.J., Airhart, D.I. & Snodgrass, P.J. (2021). Current state of horticultural therapy profession in the United States. HortTechnology, 31(4), 330-338.
Tu, H.M. & Chiu, P.Y. (2020). Meta-analysis of controlled trials testing horticultural therapy for the improvement of cognitive function. Science Reports, 10(1), 14637. doi: 10.1038/s41598-020-71621-7
Wang, Z., Zhang, Y., Lu, S., Tan, L., Guo, W., Lown, M., Hu, X. & Liu, J. (2022). Horticultural therapy for general health in the older adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS One, 17(2), e0263598. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0263598
Wong, G.C.L., Ng, T.K.S., Lee, J.L., Lim, P.Y., Chua, S.K.J., Tan, C., Chua, M., Tan, J., Lee, S., Sia, A., Ng, M.K.W., Mahendran, R., Kua, E.H., Ho, R., C.M. & Larbi, A. (2021). Horticultural therapy
reduces biomarkers of immunosenescence and inflammaging in community-dwelling older adults: A feasibility pilot randomized controlled trial. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci., 76(2), 307-317. doi: 10.1093/gerona/glaa271
Yan, W., Liu, L., Murong, J., Wang, Z., Cui, S. & Huang, W. (2019). Environmental effect of horticultural therapy on improving muscle strength after ACL reconstruction. Ekoloji, 28(107), 4289-4293.
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Chua, M., Tan, J., Lee, S., Sia, A., Ng, M.K.W., Mahendran, R., Kua, E.H., Ho, R.C.M. & Larbi, A. (2021). Horticultural therapy reduces biomarkers of immunosenescence and inflammaging in community-dwelling older adults: A feasibility pilot randomized controlled trial. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci., 76(2), 307-317. doi: 10.1093/gerona/glaa271
Chu, H.Y., Chen, M.F., Tsai, C.C., Chan, H.S. & Wu, T.L. (2019). Efficacy of a horticultural activity program for reducing depression and loneliness in older residents of nursing homes in Taiwan. Geriatr Nurs., 40(4), 386-391. doi: 10.1016/j.gerinurse.2018.12.012
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Lee, A.Y., Kim, S.Y., Kwon, H.J. & Park, S.A. (2021). Horticultural therapy program for mental health of prisoners: Case report. Integr Med Res., 10(2), 100495. doi: 10.1016/j.imr.2020.100495
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Examples of horticultural therapy & therapeutic horticulture programs
Bullington Gardens Horticultural Therapy, Hendersonville, NC
Chadwick Arboretum & Leaning Gardens in Ohio has a horticultural therapy program, garden for adults with physical & developmental disabilities & other populations.
Chicago Botanic Garden Horticultural Therapy Services, Chicago, IL. A variety of services available including direct service, consultation, & speakers.
Five outdoor gardens at Barclay Friends senior living are platform for their horticultural therapy program in West Chester, PA.
Kingsbridge Heights Community Center’s gardening, nutrition & horticultural therapy programs in the Bronx, NY include a wide array of plant-based activities in this community setting.
Missouri Botanical Garden Therapeutic Horticulture Program, St. Louis, MO
New York Botanical Garden. (2019). NYBG launched new program, THRIVE, combining horticultural therapy and gardening activities, to help veterans heal their minds and bodies.
NYU Langone’s Rusk Rehabilitation, New York City, NY
Plants & People Horticultural Therapy Program @ Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, Miami, FL. Programs for individuals living with dementia and children with autism spectrum disorder along with care partners and family.
Rehab South Florida, Lantana, FL Program for people overcoming emotional & cognitive challenges in a rehab setting.
The Stewpot facility for homeless and at-risk individuals in Dallas, TX has a Garden Club that meets in Encore Park Community Garden focusing on wellness & nutrition using this type of HT programming.
The Therapeutic Horticulture Program at Wilmot Botanical Gardens Univ. of Florida, Gainesville, FL. Programs for veterans, student wellness group, alumni, women veterans, Florida Recovery Center groups.
Tucson Botanical Gardens Horticultural Therapy Program, Tucson, AZ
Chadwick Arboretum & Leaning Gardens in Ohio has a horticultural therapy program, garden for adults with physical & developmental disabilities & other populations.
Chicago Botanic Garden Horticultural Therapy Services, Chicago, IL. A variety of services available including direct service, consultation, & speakers.
Five outdoor gardens at Barclay Friends senior living are platform for their horticultural therapy program in West Chester, PA.
Kingsbridge Heights Community Center’s gardening, nutrition & horticultural therapy programs in the Bronx, NY include a wide array of plant-based activities in this community setting.
Missouri Botanical Garden Therapeutic Horticulture Program, St. Louis, MO
New York Botanical Garden. (2019). NYBG launched new program, THRIVE, combining horticultural therapy and gardening activities, to help veterans heal their minds and bodies.
NYU Langone’s Rusk Rehabilitation, New York City, NY
Plants & People Horticultural Therapy Program @ Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, Miami, FL. Programs for individuals living with dementia and children with autism spectrum disorder along with care partners and family.
Rehab South Florida, Lantana, FL Program for people overcoming emotional & cognitive challenges in a rehab setting.
The Stewpot facility for homeless and at-risk individuals in Dallas, TX has a Garden Club that meets in Encore Park Community Garden focusing on wellness & nutrition using this type of HT programming.
The Therapeutic Horticulture Program at Wilmot Botanical Gardens Univ. of Florida, Gainesville, FL. Programs for veterans, student wellness group, alumni, women veterans, Florida Recovery Center groups.
Tucson Botanical Gardens Horticultural Therapy Program, Tucson, AZ
Videos, webinars & websites on horticultural therapy & therapeutic horticulture
American Horticultural Therapy Association’s Horticultural Therapy video
Florida Horticulture for Health YouTube channel offers a variety of videos on horticultural therapy & related topics.
Horticultural therapy 101: History, Definitions, examples
Horticultural Therapy for Veterans
Newfoundland & Labrador Centre for Applied Health Research website explains horticultural therapy, listing goals for its HT research exchange group, activities, presentations & contacts.
North Carolina Botanical Garden website introduces horticultural therapy, which is delivered at the garden and off-site, in conjunction with its community partners – UNC Center for Excellence in Community Mental Health and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
The Farm at Penny Lane Horticultural Therapy Program
University of Florida video discussing therapeutic horticulture research with healthy women doing gardening tasks, citing other research areas as well.
Florida Horticulture for Health YouTube channel offers a variety of videos on horticultural therapy & related topics.
Horticultural therapy 101: History, Definitions, examples
Horticultural Therapy for Veterans
Newfoundland & Labrador Centre for Applied Health Research website explains horticultural therapy, listing goals for its HT research exchange group, activities, presentations & contacts.
North Carolina Botanical Garden website introduces horticultural therapy, which is delivered at the garden and off-site, in conjunction with its community partners – UNC Center for Excellence in Community Mental Health and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
The Farm at Penny Lane Horticultural Therapy Program
University of Florida video discussing therapeutic horticulture research with healthy women doing gardening tasks, citing other research areas as well.
Related organizations
Association for Horticulture and Therapy in Germany
Canadian Horticultural Therapy Association (CHTA)
Carolinas Horticultural Therapy Network
Hong Kong Association of Therapeutic Horticulture (HKATH)
Institute of Horticultural Therapy – Peru
International People Plant Council
Mid Atlantic Therapeutic Horticulture Network (MAHTN)
Spanish Association in Social and Therapeutic Horticulture
THRIVE
Canadian Horticultural Therapy Association (CHTA)
Carolinas Horticultural Therapy Network
Hong Kong Association of Therapeutic Horticulture (HKATH)
Institute of Horticultural Therapy – Peru
International People Plant Council
Mid Atlantic Therapeutic Horticulture Network (MAHTN)
Spanish Association in Social and Therapeutic Horticulture
THRIVE
Written and compiled by Lesley Fleming, Susan Morgan, Leah Diehl, November 2021; revised in Jan 2023 by Lesley Fleming, Siang Tham, Bree Stark
ALLIED THERAPEUTIC MODALITIES
Allied therapeutic disciplines including occupational, physical, recreation therapy as well as health providers across disciplines including counselors, social workers, nutritionists, and mental health staff may use horticulture, gardens, gardening, adaptive gardening tools and techniques within their services. Social prescribing, a more recent strategy that can include gardening, evident in the UK & the U.S., (Fixsen & Barrett, 2020 & 2022; Thompson, 2018), is being implemented across health disciplines. Health professionals are also using self-care involving gardens & gardening for themselves, particularly during COVID-19 and the stress it brought (Cordoza et al., 2018).
Allied therapeutic disciplines including occupational, physical, recreation therapy as well as health providers across disciplines including counselors, social workers, nutritionists, and mental health staff may use horticulture, gardens, gardening, adaptive gardening tools and techniques within their services. Social prescribing, a more recent strategy that can include gardening, evident in the UK & the U.S., (Fixsen & Barrett, 2020 & 2022; Thompson, 2018), is being implemented across health disciplines. Health professionals are also using self-care involving gardens & gardening for themselves, particularly during COVID-19 and the stress it brought (Cordoza et al., 2018).
key organizations
Books, journals & epublications on allied therapeutic modalities
Research & articles on allied therapeutic modalities
Recently published selected research & articles:
Casella, J. (2021). Complementary and alternative medicine: Reliable websites for
consumers [including HT]. Journal of Consumer Health on the Internet, 25(2), 196-204.
Cordoza, M., Ulrich, R.S., Manulik, B.J., Gardiner, S.K., Fitzpatrick, P.S., Hazen, T.M., Mirka, A. &
Perkins, R.S. (2018). Impact of nurses taking daily work breaks in a hospital garden on burnout. Am J Crit Care., 27(6), 508-512. doi: 10.4037/ajcc2018131
Davis, B.E. (2011). Rooftop hospital gardens for physical therapy: A post-occupancy evaluation. HERD,
4(3), 14-43. doi: 10.1177/193758671100400303
Fixsen, A. & Barrett, S. (2022). Challenges and approaches to green social prescribing during and in
the aftermath of COVID-19: A qualitative study. Front Psychol., 13, 861107. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.861107
Fixsen, A. & Polley, M. (2020). Social prescribing for stress related disorders and brain health. Int Rev
Neurobiol., 152, 237-257. doi: 10.1016/bs.irn.2019.11.005
Fleming, L., House, B. & Kirby, J. (2018). Half-day intensive grow your professional skills: Gardening,
gardens & therapeutic horticulture [for recreation professionals]. Canadian Therapeutic Recreation Association.
Fleming, L. (2017). Laughter therapy and horticultural therapy: Cross-pollination. Journal of
Therapeutic Horticulture, 27(2), 39-50.
Hart, B. & Zanskas, S. (2021). Cultivating care: Trauma, homeless veterans, and nature-based therapy.
Journal of Therapeutic Horticulture, 31(1), 25-38.
Jin, H.Y., Gold, C., Cho, J., Marzban, F. & Lim, L. (2023). The role of healthcare facility design on the
mental health of healthcare professionals: A literature review. HERD, 16(1), 270-286. doi: 10.1177/19375867221118685
Kaplanis, G.F. (2019). Harnessing nature for occupational therapy: Interventions and health
promotions. Doctoral dissertation. Nova Southeastern University College of Health Care Sciences.
Kemper, K.J. (2022). Food as medicine: Health professionals promoting victory gardens in light of
climate crisis. Complement Ther Med., 70, 102869. doi: 10.1016/j.ctim.2022.102869
Mori, Y., Kugel, J., Krpalek, D., Javaherian-Dysinger, H. & Gharibvand, L. (2021). Occupational therapy
and therapeutic horticulture for women with cancer and chronic pain: A pilot study. The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy, 9(2), 1-14.
Naor, L. & Mayseless, O. (2021). Therapeutic factors in nature-based therapies: Unraveling the
therapeutic benefits of integrating nature in psychotherapy. Psychotherapy, 58(4), 576–590. https://doi.org/10.1037/pst0000396
Naor, L. & Mayseless, O. (2020). The therapeutic value of experiencing spirituality in
nature. Spirituality in Clinical Practice, 7(2), 114–133. https://doi.org/10.1037/scp0000204
Ni, S. & Zhou, W. (2021). Application of aromatherapy in public space in the context of the COVID-19
pandemic. International Conference on Applied Human Factors and Ergonomics, 598-609.
OTDUDE. (2021). Occupational therapy gardening ideas for adults (& kids).
Picton, C., Fernandez, R., Moxham, L. & Patterson, C.F. (2020). Experiences of outdoor nature-based
therapeutic recreation programs for persons with a mental illness: A qualitative systematic review. JBI Evid Synth., 18(9), 1820-1869. doi: 10.11124/JBISRIR-D-19-00263
Pieters, H.C, Ayala, L., Schneider, A., Wicks, N., Levine-Dickman, A. & Clinton, S. (2018). Gardening on
a psychiatric inpatient unit: Cultivating recovery. Archives of Psychiatric Nursing, 33(1), 57-64.
doi: 10.1016/j.apnu.2018.10.001
Porter, J.Y., & Porter, W.C. (2010). Transforming counseling pedagogy with horticulture therapy
techniques.
Stowell, D.R., Fly, M., Klingeman, W.E., Beyl, C.A., Wozencroft, A.J., Airhart, D.L. & Snodgrass, P.J.
(2021). Current state of the horticultural therapy profession in the United States. HortTechnology, 31(4). https://doi.org/10.21273/HORTTECH04792-21
Swank, J.M., & Shin, S. (2015). Garden counseling groups and self-esteem: A mixed methods study
with children with emotional and behavioral problems. The Journal for Specialists in Group Work, 40(3), 315-331. https://doi.org/10.1080/01933922.2015.1056570
Thompson, R. (2018). Gardening for health: A regular dose of gardening. Clin Med (Lond)., 18(3), 201-
205. doi: 10.7861/clinmedicine.18-3-201
Vibholm, A.P., Christensen, J.R. & Pallesen, H. (2022). Occupational therapists and physiotherapists
experiences of using nature-based rehabilitation. Physiother Theory Pract., 10, 1-11. doi: 10.1080/09593985.2021.2023927
Wagenfeld, A., & Atchison, B. (2014). Putting the occupation back in occupational therapy: A survey
of occupational therapy practitioners’ use of gardening as an intervention. The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy, 2(4).
Woodson, K. & Ludmer, D. (2021). Branching out: An introduction to therapeutic horticulture in a
clinical psychology doctoral program. Acta Horticulturae
Zheng, M.C. (2018). New flower bed design and verification supporting horticultural therapy classes
based on behavioral observation. Occupational Therapy-Therapeutic and Creative Use of Activity. IntechOpen.
Casella, J. (2021). Complementary and alternative medicine: Reliable websites for
consumers [including HT]. Journal of Consumer Health on the Internet, 25(2), 196-204.
Cordoza, M., Ulrich, R.S., Manulik, B.J., Gardiner, S.K., Fitzpatrick, P.S., Hazen, T.M., Mirka, A. &
Perkins, R.S. (2018). Impact of nurses taking daily work breaks in a hospital garden on burnout. Am J Crit Care., 27(6), 508-512. doi: 10.4037/ajcc2018131
Davis, B.E. (2011). Rooftop hospital gardens for physical therapy: A post-occupancy evaluation. HERD,
4(3), 14-43. doi: 10.1177/193758671100400303
Fixsen, A. & Barrett, S. (2022). Challenges and approaches to green social prescribing during and in
the aftermath of COVID-19: A qualitative study. Front Psychol., 13, 861107. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.861107
Fixsen, A. & Polley, M. (2020). Social prescribing for stress related disorders and brain health. Int Rev
Neurobiol., 152, 237-257. doi: 10.1016/bs.irn.2019.11.005
Fleming, L., House, B. & Kirby, J. (2018). Half-day intensive grow your professional skills: Gardening,
gardens & therapeutic horticulture [for recreation professionals]. Canadian Therapeutic Recreation Association.
Fleming, L. (2017). Laughter therapy and horticultural therapy: Cross-pollination. Journal of
Therapeutic Horticulture, 27(2), 39-50.
Hart, B. & Zanskas, S. (2021). Cultivating care: Trauma, homeless veterans, and nature-based therapy.
Journal of Therapeutic Horticulture, 31(1), 25-38.
Jin, H.Y., Gold, C., Cho, J., Marzban, F. & Lim, L. (2023). The role of healthcare facility design on the
mental health of healthcare professionals: A literature review. HERD, 16(1), 270-286. doi: 10.1177/19375867221118685
Kaplanis, G.F. (2019). Harnessing nature for occupational therapy: Interventions and health
promotions. Doctoral dissertation. Nova Southeastern University College of Health Care Sciences.
Kemper, K.J. (2022). Food as medicine: Health professionals promoting victory gardens in light of
climate crisis. Complement Ther Med., 70, 102869. doi: 10.1016/j.ctim.2022.102869
Mori, Y., Kugel, J., Krpalek, D., Javaherian-Dysinger, H. & Gharibvand, L. (2021). Occupational therapy
and therapeutic horticulture for women with cancer and chronic pain: A pilot study. The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy, 9(2), 1-14.
Naor, L. & Mayseless, O. (2021). Therapeutic factors in nature-based therapies: Unraveling the
therapeutic benefits of integrating nature in psychotherapy. Psychotherapy, 58(4), 576–590. https://doi.org/10.1037/pst0000396
Naor, L. & Mayseless, O. (2020). The therapeutic value of experiencing spirituality in
nature. Spirituality in Clinical Practice, 7(2), 114–133. https://doi.org/10.1037/scp0000204
Ni, S. & Zhou, W. (2021). Application of aromatherapy in public space in the context of the COVID-19
pandemic. International Conference on Applied Human Factors and Ergonomics, 598-609.
OTDUDE. (2021). Occupational therapy gardening ideas for adults (& kids).
Picton, C., Fernandez, R., Moxham, L. & Patterson, C.F. (2020). Experiences of outdoor nature-based
therapeutic recreation programs for persons with a mental illness: A qualitative systematic review. JBI Evid Synth., 18(9), 1820-1869. doi: 10.11124/JBISRIR-D-19-00263
Pieters, H.C, Ayala, L., Schneider, A., Wicks, N., Levine-Dickman, A. & Clinton, S. (2018). Gardening on
a psychiatric inpatient unit: Cultivating recovery. Archives of Psychiatric Nursing, 33(1), 57-64.
doi: 10.1016/j.apnu.2018.10.001
Porter, J.Y., & Porter, W.C. (2010). Transforming counseling pedagogy with horticulture therapy
techniques.
Stowell, D.R., Fly, M., Klingeman, W.E., Beyl, C.A., Wozencroft, A.J., Airhart, D.L. & Snodgrass, P.J.
(2021). Current state of the horticultural therapy profession in the United States. HortTechnology, 31(4). https://doi.org/10.21273/HORTTECH04792-21
Swank, J.M., & Shin, S. (2015). Garden counseling groups and self-esteem: A mixed methods study
with children with emotional and behavioral problems. The Journal for Specialists in Group Work, 40(3), 315-331. https://doi.org/10.1080/01933922.2015.1056570
Thompson, R. (2018). Gardening for health: A regular dose of gardening. Clin Med (Lond)., 18(3), 201-
205. doi: 10.7861/clinmedicine.18-3-201
Vibholm, A.P., Christensen, J.R. & Pallesen, H. (2022). Occupational therapists and physiotherapists
experiences of using nature-based rehabilitation. Physiother Theory Pract., 10, 1-11. doi: 10.1080/09593985.2021.2023927
Wagenfeld, A., & Atchison, B. (2014). Putting the occupation back in occupational therapy: A survey
of occupational therapy practitioners’ use of gardening as an intervention. The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy, 2(4).
Woodson, K. & Ludmer, D. (2021). Branching out: An introduction to therapeutic horticulture in a
clinical psychology doctoral program. Acta Horticulturae
Zheng, M.C. (2018). New flower bed design and verification supporting horticultural therapy classes
based on behavioral observation. Occupational Therapy-Therapeutic and Creative Use of Activity. IntechOpen.
Examples of allied therapeutic modalities
LeadingAge Florida association and Eldergrow GARDEN project across Florida
Funded in 2021 from the Agency for Health Care Administration to implement therapeutic horticulture programs at 22 nursing homes in Florida.
Rehab South Florida is a drug & alcohol treatment center in West Palm Beach that offers a range of interventions including horticultural therapy.
The Mobility Garden at Sarasota Memorial Hospital Rehabilitation Pavilion in Sarasota, FL.
Occupational therapists use the Mobility Garden for treatment of compromised physical abilities.
Funded in 2021 from the Agency for Health Care Administration to implement therapeutic horticulture programs at 22 nursing homes in Florida.
Rehab South Florida is a drug & alcohol treatment center in West Palm Beach that offers a range of interventions including horticultural therapy.
The Mobility Garden at Sarasota Memorial Hospital Rehabilitation Pavilion in Sarasota, FL.
Occupational therapists use the Mobility Garden for treatment of compromised physical abilities.
Videos & webinars of allied therapeutic modalities
CNN article & video “Gardening becomes healing with horticultural therapy” by A. Chilag includes several examples where allied health disciplines include gardening for their clients.
Ergonomic Gardening Tips for Arthritis Patients
Therapy Garden at MVAMC
Using Gardens in a Holistic Approach to Occupational Therapy with Deedee Levine
Ergonomic Gardening Tips for Arthritis Patients
Therapy Garden at MVAMC
Using Gardens in a Holistic Approach to Occupational Therapy with Deedee Levine
Related organizations
Written & compiled by Lesley Fleming, Jacqueline Swank, Morgan Whitaker Smith Oct 2021; revised by Lesley Fleming, Bree Stark Jan 2023
NATURE-BASED THERAPIES & INTERVENTIONS
Included in this category are all types of nature-based therapies & interventions where horticulture plays a significant role including ecotherapy, ecopsychology, eco-wellness, wilderness camps, aromatherapy, veteran to farmer programming, nature Rx, forest bathing and forest therapy (shinrin-yoku). These covers many types of interventions. Meant to identify the scope of this topic, the research and programs cover a broad range of health challenges like brain injury (Vibholm et al, 2020), veterans with PTSD (Bettmann et al.,2021), subgenual prefrontal cortex activation (Bratman et al., 2025), childhood obesity (Messiah et al., 2026), cardio-oncology health (Bikomeye et al., 2022), and pain (Jones & Littzen, 2022).
Included in this category are all types of nature-based therapies & interventions where horticulture plays a significant role including ecotherapy, ecopsychology, eco-wellness, wilderness camps, aromatherapy, veteran to farmer programming, nature Rx, forest bathing and forest therapy (shinrin-yoku). These covers many types of interventions. Meant to identify the scope of this topic, the research and programs cover a broad range of health challenges like brain injury (Vibholm et al, 2020), veterans with PTSD (Bettmann et al.,2021), subgenual prefrontal cortex activation (Bratman et al., 2025), childhood obesity (Messiah et al., 2026), cardio-oncology health (Bikomeye et al., 2022), and pain (Jones & Littzen, 2022).
Key Organizations
Books, journals & epublications on nature-based therapies
Aromatics in Action journal from the Alliance of International Aromatherapists
Barton, Bragg, Wood et al. (2016). Green Exercise: Linking Nature, Health and Well-being. Routledge.
Buzzell, L. & Chalquist, C. (Eds.). (2002). Ecotherapy: Healing with nature in mind. Sierra Club Books.
Ecopsychology journal
Garside, R, Orr, N. Short, R., Lovell, B. Husk, K., McEachan, R. et al. (2020). Therapeutic Nature:
Nature-based Social Prescribing for Diagnosed Mental Health Conditions in the UK. Defra.
Harper, N.J. & Rose, K. (2019). Nature-Based Therapy: A Practitioner’s Guide to Working Outdoors with
Children, Youth, and Families. New Society Publishers.
Int J Environ Res Public Health
Jordan, M. (2015). Nature and Therapy: Understanding Counselling and Psychotherapy in Outdoor
Spaces. Routledge.
Journal of Ecopsychology
Journal of Environmental Psychology
McGeeney A. (2016). With Nature in Mind: The Ecotherapy Manual for Mental Health Professionals.
Jessica Kingsley Publishers.
Nature and Health (2021). Publications
Nature Sacred. (2021). The Power of Sacred Places 25 years of Science and Evidence-Based Design of
Healing Green Spaces: A Landscape Architect’s Guide.
Research Digest journal from Children & Nature Network
Roe, J. & Sachs, N.A. (2021). Urban nature and the happiness hypothesis, Chapter 8. In Mahmoudi &
Roe (Eds. ), Infrastructure, Wellbeing, and the Measurement of Happiness. Routledge.
Senauer Loge, A. (2011). Children & Nature Network Research and Studies (Vol. 5). Children &
Nature Network.
Stigsdotter, U.K, Palsdottir, A.M, Burls, A, Chermaz, A, Ferrini, F. & Grahn, P. (2010). Nature-based
therapeutic interventions. In K. Nilsson M. Sangster, C. Gallis, T. Hartig, S. deVries, K. Seeland, & J. Schipperijn (Eds.) Forests, Trees and Human Health. Springer.
Stuart-Smith, S. (2022). The Well-Gardened Mind: The Restorative Power of Nature. Scribner.
Wilson, E. O. (1984). Biophilia: The Human Bond with Other Species. Harvard University Press.
Barton, Bragg, Wood et al. (2016). Green Exercise: Linking Nature, Health and Well-being. Routledge.
Buzzell, L. & Chalquist, C. (Eds.). (2002). Ecotherapy: Healing with nature in mind. Sierra Club Books.
Ecopsychology journal
Garside, R, Orr, N. Short, R., Lovell, B. Husk, K., McEachan, R. et al. (2020). Therapeutic Nature:
Nature-based Social Prescribing for Diagnosed Mental Health Conditions in the UK. Defra.
Harper, N.J. & Rose, K. (2019). Nature-Based Therapy: A Practitioner’s Guide to Working Outdoors with
Children, Youth, and Families. New Society Publishers.
Int J Environ Res Public Health
Jordan, M. (2015). Nature and Therapy: Understanding Counselling and Psychotherapy in Outdoor
Spaces. Routledge.
Journal of Ecopsychology
Journal of Environmental Psychology
McGeeney A. (2016). With Nature in Mind: The Ecotherapy Manual for Mental Health Professionals.
Jessica Kingsley Publishers.
Nature and Health (2021). Publications
Nature Sacred. (2021). The Power of Sacred Places 25 years of Science and Evidence-Based Design of
Healing Green Spaces: A Landscape Architect’s Guide.
Research Digest journal from Children & Nature Network
Roe, J. & Sachs, N.A. (2021). Urban nature and the happiness hypothesis, Chapter 8. In Mahmoudi &
Roe (Eds. ), Infrastructure, Wellbeing, and the Measurement of Happiness. Routledge.
Senauer Loge, A. (2011). Children & Nature Network Research and Studies (Vol. 5). Children &
Nature Network.
Stigsdotter, U.K, Palsdottir, A.M, Burls, A, Chermaz, A, Ferrini, F. & Grahn, P. (2010). Nature-based
therapeutic interventions. In K. Nilsson M. Sangster, C. Gallis, T. Hartig, S. deVries, K. Seeland, & J. Schipperijn (Eds.) Forests, Trees and Human Health. Springer.
Stuart-Smith, S. (2022). The Well-Gardened Mind: The Restorative Power of Nature. Scribner.
Wilson, E. O. (1984). Biophilia: The Human Bond with Other Species. Harvard University Press.
Research & articles on NATURE-BASED THERAPIES
Recently published selected research & articles:
Alexander, G.K. & Brooks, V. (2022). Nature-based therapeutics: A collaborative research agenda
promoting equitable access and environmental stewardship. Collegian, 29(1), 119-124. doi: 10.1016/j.colegn.2021.03.001
Ameli, R., Skeath, P., Abraham, P.A., Panahi, S., Kaxman, J.B., Foote, F., Deuster, P.A., Ahmad, N. &
Berger, A. (2021). A nature-based health intervention at a military healthcare center: A randomized, controlled, cross-over study. PeerJ., 9, e10519 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.10519
Andkjær, S., Klein-Wengel, T.T., Ishøi, A., Bjørk Petersen, C. (2021). Being and doing in the outdoors
brings something extra! Evaluating the Danish Healthy in Nature Project. Int J Qual Stud Health Well-being, 16(1), 1983947. doi: 10.1080/17482631.2021.1983947.
Antonelli, M., Barbieri, G. & Donelli, D. (2019). Effects of forest bathing (shinrin-yoku) on levels of
cortisol as a stress biomarker: A systematic review and meta-analysis. International Journal of Biometeorology, 63(8), 1117–1134. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00484-019-01717-x
Bang, K.S., Lee, I. & Kim, S. (2017). The effects of a campus forest-walking program on undergraduate
and graduate students' physical and psychological health. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 14(7). doi: 10.3390/ijerph14070728
Barnes, M.R., Donahue, M.L., Keeler, B.L., Shorb, C.M., Mohtadi, T.Z. & Shelby, L.J. (2019).
Characterizing nature and participant experience in studies of nature exposure for positive mental health: An integrative review. Front. Psychol., 9, 2617. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2018.02617
Bentley, P.R., Fisher, J.C., Dallimer, M., Fish, R.D., Austen, G.E., Irvine, K.N. & Davies, Z.G. (2022).
Nature, smells, and human wellbeing. Ambio., 18, 1–14. doi: 10.1007/s13280-022-01760-w
Berman, M.G. et al. (2008). The cognitive benefits of interacting with nature. Psychological Science,
19(12), 1207–1212. doi: 10.1111/j.1467-9280.2008.02225.x.
Bettmann, J.E., Prince, K.C., Ganesh, K., Rugo, K.F., Bryan, A.O., Bryan, C.J., Rozek, D.C. & Leifker, F.R.
(2021). The effect of time outdoors on veterans receiving treatment for PTSD. J Clin Psychol., 77(9), 2041-2056. doi: 10.1002/jclp.23139
Bikomeye, J.C., Beyer, A.M., Kwarteng, J.L. & Beyer, K.M.M. (2022). Greenspace, inflammation,
cardiovascular health, and cancer: A review and conceptual framework for greenspace in cardio-oncology research. Int J Environ Res Public Health., 19(4), 2426. doi: 10.3390/ijerph19042426
Blaschke, S., O’Callaghan, C.C. & Schofield, P. (2017). Identifying opportunities for nature
engagement in cancer care practice and design: Protocol for four-round modified electronic Delphi. BMJ Open, 7(3), e013527. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2016-013527
Bonham-Corcoran, M., Solovyeva, A., O’Briain, A., Cassidy, A. & Turner, N. (2022). The benefits of
nature-based therapy for the individual and the environment: An integrative review. Irish Journal of Occupational Therapy.
Bragg, R., Atkins, G. (2016). A review of nature-based interventions for mental health care-Natural
England Commissioned Report 204. Natural England.
Bratman, G. et al. (2021). The effective benefits of nature exposure. Social and Personality
Psychological Compass, 15(8). doi: 10.1111/spc3.12630.
Bratman, G.N., Hamilton, J.P., Hahn, K.S., Daily, G.C. & Gross, J.J. (2015). Nature experience reduces
rumination and subgenual prefrontal cortex activation. Proc Nat Acad Sci USA., 112, 8567–72. doi: 10.1073/pnas.1510459112
Bratman, G.N., Hamilton, J.P. &Daily, G.C. (2012). The impacts of nature experience on human
cognitive function and mental health. Ann. N. Y. Acad. Sci. 1249, 118–136. doi: 10.1111/j.1749-6632.2011.06400.x
Capaldi, C.A. et al. (2015). Flourishing in nature: A review of the benefits of connecting with nature
and its application as a wellbeing intervention. International Journal of Wellbeing, 5(4), 1-16. doi: 10.5502/ijw. v5i4.449.
Chang, C.C., Oh, R.R.Y., Nghiem, T.P.L., Zhang, Y.C., Tan, C.L.Y., Lin, B.B., et al. (2020). Life
satisfaction linked to the diversity of nature experiences and nature views from the window. Landsc Urban Plan. 202, 103874. doi: 10.1016/j.landurbplan.2020.103874
Chang, Y.C., Tseng, T.A. & Chiu, S.C. (2018). The effect of nature therapy for stress, anxiety,
depression and demoralization on breast cancer patients. GSTF J. Nurs. Health Care, 5.
Charles, C. & Louv, R. (2020). Wild hope: The transformative power of children engaging with nature.
In Research Handbook on Childhoodnature.
Chaudhury, P. & Banerjee, D. (2020). Recovering with nature: A review of ecotherapy and
implications for the OVID-19 pandemic. Frontiers in Public Health 10. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2020.604440
Chawla, L. (2015). Benefits of nature contact for children. Journal of Planning Literature, 30(4), 433–
452.
Clatworthy, J., Hinds, J. & Camic, P.M. (2013). Gardening as a mental health intervention: A review.
Mental Health Review Journal, 18(4), 214–225. https://doi.org/10.1108/MHRJ-02-2013-0007
Cleary, A., Dean, J., Pollock , D., McDaid, L. & Boyle, F. (2022). Nature-based interventions for
bereavement care: A scoping review protocol. JBI Evid Synth., 20(5), 1344-1352. doi: 10.11124/JBIES-21-00215
Corazon, S.S., Nyed, P.K., Sidenius, U., Poulsen, D.V. & Stigsdotter, U.K. (2018). A long-term follow-up
of the Efficacy of nature-based therapy for adults suffering from stress-related illnesses on levels of healthcare consumption and sick-leave absence: A randomized controlled trial. Int J Environ Res Public Health., 15(1), 137. doi: 10.3390/ijerph15010137
Corazon, S.S., Sidenius, U., Vammen, K.S., Klinker, S.E., Stigsdotter, U.K. & Poulsen, D.V. (2018). The
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Examples of NATURE-BASED THERAPIES
Florida Center for Recovery in Fort Pierce, FL.
Programs using ecotherapy along with other modalities in addiction recovery.
Graduate Certificate Program in Nature-based Therapy offered by East Tennessee State University’s Dept. of Counseling and Human Services 15 credit program focused on physical and psychological benefits of engaging with nature.
Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) Institute for Health & Equity’s project is using an innovative nature-based therapy based on AHW-supported study ‘Impacts of Nature in Proactive and Responsive Behavioral Health Treatment of Urban Latins Youth’ with curriculum & assessment tools.
Nature-Based Therapeutics at Minnesota Landscape Arboretum delivered with the University of Minnesota Bakken Center for Spirituality & Healing offers direct service programs based on American Horticultural Therapy Association & National Council of Therapeutic Recreation.
Operation Eco Vets in Sarasota FL.
Located at Green Path Veterans Farm, with support from Easterseals. Activities focus on sustainable gardening, addressing post-traumatic stress, and sense of community.
The Veterans Florida Agriculture Program in Gainesville, FL.
A six-month training fellowship for transitioning veterans as vocational education for agribusiness, and other agriculture careers.
Programs using ecotherapy along with other modalities in addiction recovery.
Graduate Certificate Program in Nature-based Therapy offered by East Tennessee State University’s Dept. of Counseling and Human Services 15 credit program focused on physical and psychological benefits of engaging with nature.
Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) Institute for Health & Equity’s project is using an innovative nature-based therapy based on AHW-supported study ‘Impacts of Nature in Proactive and Responsive Behavioral Health Treatment of Urban Latins Youth’ with curriculum & assessment tools.
Nature-Based Therapeutics at Minnesota Landscape Arboretum delivered with the University of Minnesota Bakken Center for Spirituality & Healing offers direct service programs based on American Horticultural Therapy Association & National Council of Therapeutic Recreation.
Operation Eco Vets in Sarasota FL.
Located at Green Path Veterans Farm, with support from Easterseals. Activities focus on sustainable gardening, addressing post-traumatic stress, and sense of community.
The Veterans Florida Agriculture Program in Gainesville, FL.
A six-month training fellowship for transitioning veterans as vocational education for agribusiness, and other agriculture careers.
Videos, webinars AND websites on NATURE-BASED THERAPIES
Healing Nature 2012 video documentary looks at how nature contributes to healthy living, health improvements.
Making the Case: Community Engagement for Equitable Access to Nature
Prescribing Nature for Health TedxNashville
Ecopsychology: Reinventing the Human-nature Relationship in the Digital Age Part 1
Rodiek, S. (2009). Access to Nature for Older Adults [3 DVDs – 93 minutes]. Center for Health Systems
& Design.
Science Pub – EcoWellness: Optimizing Time Outdoors
Ten Principles: How and Why they are so Effective – EcoPsychology Initiative
The Art and Science of Forest Bathing with Dr. Quing Li
Making the Case: Community Engagement for Equitable Access to Nature
Prescribing Nature for Health TedxNashville
Ecopsychology: Reinventing the Human-nature Relationship in the Digital Age Part 1
Rodiek, S. (2009). Access to Nature for Older Adults [3 DVDs – 93 minutes]. Center for Health Systems
& Design.
Science Pub – EcoWellness: Optimizing Time Outdoors
Ten Principles: How and Why they are so Effective – EcoPsychology Initiative
The Art and Science of Forest Bathing with Dr. Quing Li
Written & compiled by Lesley Fleming, Jacqueline Swank Nov 2021; revised by Lesley Fleming, Bree Stark in Jan 2023