Therapeutic Gardening
Promoting Health Homes and Communities
Wilson
Horticulture, Consumer and Home
Nutrition and Food Systems General
Community Gardens and Horticulture Therapy
Therapeutic gardening is the cultivation of plants to promote a healing environment, receive mental and physical health benefits, and increase well-being (American Horticultural Therapy Association). Settings for these gardens include private and public schools, hospitals, long-term care facilities, prisons, mental health care facilities, community gardens, and vocational rehabilitation programs.
Several gardens in Pulaski Co could be called therapy gardens. Master Gardeners and the horticulture agent work and do programs at the Children's Garden at the local library, a cancer center garden, and in many other areas in Somerset. A butterfly garden is planned for a local nursing home.
In 2018, Sky Hope Rehabilitation Center opened. It is a 100-bed facility for women with drug addictions. In 2019, a vegetable garden was established at the center.
Improve people's physical and mental health. Be able to provide some of your own food
Benefits from gardening or being in a garden are physical, cognitive, social, and psychological:
- increase strength and stamina
- decrease stress
- improve concentration and attention span
- increase social interaction
- improve self-esteem
- alleviate depression
- increase feelings of calm and relaxation
Learn the basics of gardening. Learn to notice things in the garden.
Initial Outcome: Take care of the garden at the rehab center. Follow a watering and fertilizing schedule
Indicator:
Method: various in-person programs
Timeline: throughout the year
Intermediate Outcome: Improve one's well-being
Indicator: eventual graduation from the center
Method: communicate with center employees
Timeline: throughout the year
Long-term Outcome:
Indicator:
Method:
Timeline:
Audience: residents at various centers
Project or Activity: in-person activities
Content or Curriculum:the garden itself, powerpoints
Inputs: Master Gardeners, UK publications
Date: throughout the year
Audience: children
Project or Activity: various activities at Children's Garden
Content or Curriculum: the garden itself, JMG material
Inputs: Master Gardeners
Date:throughout year
Audience:
Project or Activity:
Content or Curriculum:
Inputs:
Date:
Author: Trent Adkins
Major Program: Community Gardens and Horticulture Therapy
It is no secret that gardening and other home horticulture activities can serve as a great outlet for individuals with disabilities, mental health difficulties and behavioral issues. The Sunrise Children’s Program Cumberland Adventure Program (CAP), is located in Bronston, KY. The Cumberland Adventure Program uses therapeutic outdoor adventures experiences and clinical intervention to assist boys who suffer from behavioral or emotional issues. Many of the boys come from backgro