What is Horticultural Therapy?

Horticultural Therapy is the use of plant related activities as a form of therapy to improve well-being.

Plants and garden activities are mentally and physically rewarding. They refresh the body, mind, and spirit.

Horticultural Therapy gives people the tools to help themselves.

How Does Horticultural Therapy Help?

From the simple feelings of pleasure that a bouquet of flowers evokes; the sense of peace found in a garden setting to:

• Providing excercise, fresh air, an outlet for creativity, relief of stress and boredom;
• Allowing care-recipients to become care-givers, thereby improving their self-esteem.
• Helping injured people relearn living skills and accept responsibility for their actions, while building self-confidence and independence;
• Offering job opportunities

Who Benefits From Horticultural Therapy?

Everybody!

Young, Old, Able & Disabled

Horticultural Therapists, who are trained professionals, use the healing powers of gardening to help:

• People with mental & physical disabilities;
• People coping with mental illness;
• Senior citizens, able-bodies & sedentary;
• Children, high achievers & troubled;
• People in prisons;
• People recovering from substance abuse;
• People recovering from strokes & injuries;
• People in hospices;
• The bored and the lonely.

Can You Help?

Yes!

You don't have to be a trained professional.

• Hobbyist Gardeners
• Master Gardeners
• Garden Clubs
• FFA and 4H Clubs
• Botanical Gardens
• Extension Agents

Use your love of gardening to help others and yourself! Join our organization!

History of FAHTA

Horticultural Therapy today is an emerging science, but the therapeutic benefits of plants have been recognized for centuries, with the first recorded therapeutic gardening program first dating back to the 1800s.

The American Horticultural Therapy Association was founded in 1973 and is dedicated to the promotion and development of Horticultural Therapy and Rehabilitation programs. Courses in Horticultural Therapy and are now offered at several universities and colleges.

In 1987, the Florida Chapter of AHTA was formed in Gainesville. From a handful of people, the Chapter has blossomed into a statewide organization. Our active members include therapists, counselors, teachers, botanical gardens staff, vocational instructors, master gardeners, florists, extension agents and volunteers.

Membership Benefits Include:

• Professional exchange between members;
• Access to Resource Library;
• Invitation to Board Meetings, Annual Conference and Workshops;
• Quarterly newsletters and other publications;
• A voice in the National AHTA

Join In The People-Plant Connection!

Registration Form

Email: kimsmith@zim.com

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