HT Programs

American Horticultural Therapy Association National advocate for HT programs To advance the practice of horticulture as therapy to improve human well-being Founded in 1973, now with 900 members Programs –Voluntary professional registration program. –National employment project for persons with disabilities –Develops university educational programs & sponsors continuing education programs

AHTA (cont.) Programs (cont.) –Publishes reports and periodicals –Hosts an annual conference.

Friends of Horticultural Therapy An AHTA support organization founded in Purpose: Promote horticultural therapy by: –Providing public information about horticultural therapy and enabling gardening techniques. –Supporting research and education to advance the profession of horticultural therapy. –Helping develop horticultural therapy programs through financial and technical assistance.

American Society for Horticultural Science Horticultural Science promotes and encourages scientific research and education in horticulture within the United States and throughout the world Human Issues in Horticulture (HIH) Working Group –research and education programs in areas of horticulture that interact with the social sciences, various forms of therapy development, & many more

Other Horticultural Organizations Canadian Horticulture Therapy Association Thrive (England) Plants for People (Germany)

University Programs Texas A&M Univ. Kansas State Univ. Washington State Univ. Virginia Tech Univ.

Texas A&M Programs Human Issues in Horticulture –Looks at plant/human interaction KinderGARDEN Research Projects –Nutrition and School Gardens –Brain Injury rehabilitation –Gardening and the elderly –Effects of School Gardening programs

Academic Programs Degrees offered at –Kansas State –Virginia Tech Degrees with Options –TAMU –Univ. of Rhode Island

Academic Programs (cont) Handful of Colleges offer HT classes –Texas A&M HORT335: Sociohorticulture HORT435: Urban Horticulture –Temple –Tennessee Tech –University of Massachusetts

Healing Gardens Reduce BP, anxiety, pain Alzheimer’s Gardens –Carefully planned Make people feel safe One path Nontoxic plants Portland, Oregon –Rose Garden & Japanese Garden

Botanical Gardens Most states have a botanical garden Chicago Botanical Garden most famous (almost 2 million plants) –Denver too! –Enabling garden-make gardening accessible and enjoyable. It’s barrier-free, and carefully designed to accommodate people with disabilities and older adults

Setting up your HT garden Pick plants that can grow in the climate –Pick a variety of plants Square or circular in shape Accessible to all (from kids to the elderly) –Allow for touching and smelling Enclosed or away from noise

Plants and People: Socio-Psychological Benefits

Long History of Plants and Human Emotions plants used as early as Neanderthal times for funerals cheer up people in the hospital traditional healing power of nature spring time

Plants and Positive Benefits behavior mind body relationship social interaction stimulation of senses

Behavior and Plants result of both “nature and nurture” experiencing positive, thinking positive keeping a schedule, watering etc. exercise responsibility reduction of stress improved self esteem and self worth

Mind Body Relationship scenes of nature reduce stress factor in healing, reduced hospital time increased vitality and general health

Social Interaction gardens provide forum for social activity other factors combine for better social experience better social support due to increased interaction

M. Benz Gallery of Floral Art

Stimulation of Senses break from routine and dull the “Nature Factor” relaxation and restoration

Intellectual Benefits

Individuals Benefited Sensory Impaired Mentally Disabled Psychiatric Patients Children Recovering from Substance Abuse

Senior Citizens Alzheimer Patients Physically and/or Mentally Impaired Geriatric Patients Nursing Home Patients Independent Senior Citizens

Academic Mastery Basic Mathematic Skills Ability to Count and Dispense Money New Vocabulary Terms New Horticultural Concepts Better Communication Skills

Horticultural Skills Transplanting Soil Components Grafting Propagation Repotting Placement Nutrition

Sensory Stimulation Detail Perception Vision – Flower Arranging Touch Taste – Fruit and Vegetable Hearing Smell - Ornamentals

Other Intellectual Benefits Vocational Training Aroused Curiosity Self-Mastery Peer Interaction Positive Work Habit Development

Particular Skills Intellectual Skills –Pot-sizing –Decision making –Transplant Planning –Evaluation of People-Plant Interactions Perceptual Skills –Spacing –Centering –Uniformity –Gentle Handling

Specific Subject Areas Starting Plants Ideal Soil Beautification Careers Plant Parts Understanding Plant Environment

More Subject Areas Increased Creativity Feeling of Responsibility Concentration Control of Frustration Landscaping Improved Aesthetic Appreciation

Mathematical Concepts Measurements –Liquid –Dry Weight Abstract Concepts Fractions Ratio Clock Reading Calendar Use Money –Making Change –Determination of Cash Value for Plants Thermometer Reading

Language Arts Concepts Oral Directions and Comprehension Oral Expression (Reports) Increased Vocabulary Understanding Methodology Research Skills Role Playing Customer Interaction Labeling Games Preparation of Ads Group Work Demonstration of Knowledge