FAQs About Horticultural Therapy:

Q:  What is Horticultural Therapy?

A:           Horticultural Therapy uses horticulture and nature activities to improve a client’s current skill level, emotional well-being, and sense of joy.  It requires specialized training to evaluate client’s likes, needs, current skill level, clear goal setting and regular documented evaluations.  Knowledge in human behavior, disabling conditions and of course sound horticultural practices are important aspects of this profession.  Activity is planned specifically for the individual and every encouragement is made to involve the client/patient in the process.  Gratification is delayed and the therapist is primarily a catalyst rather than a helper.

The overall goal is to improve or regain the client’s mental, physical or social ability, acquire a new skill, improve independence, self worth and self esteem.

 

Q:  What is Therapeutic Horticulture?

A:           Therapeutic Horticulture is the name given to planned activities in horticulture, either inside or outside, which offer instant gratification, enjoyment and pride in individual or group projects.  As a leader you may be involved in actually “doing.”  Such activities are very useful for short term involvement and a changing group, or for special programs.  Also, they may be valuable for clients who need respite and relaxation, or who may benefit from the creative process.

With certificates or a degree from Edmonds Community College you will be qualified to set up Therapeutic programs in Horticulture. 

 

Q:  I’ve heard about Healing Gardens, what are they?

A:           Healing Gardens, or the design of Healing gardens, is a current expression used by many Landscape Architects.  They do not actually heal, but are designed to be functional, enjoyable, to provide a sense of safety and security, are low maintenance and provide both gentle stimulus and a feeling of tranquility.  Current research indicates that there are health benefits to being in such a garden.  Essentially, Healing Gardens are more people oriented than traditional gardens.

 

Q:  How long has Horticultural Therapy been around?

A:           The value of Gardens has been recognized for centuries but such luxurious gardens were available only to the very wealthy.  It was not until World War I (1914-1918) that a positive influence was recognized through Healing Gardens in helping badly shell shocked soldiers regain some peace and added a calming influence.  From that point both Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy disciplines recognized the benefits of keeping people connected to horticulture.  It was also recognized that specialized training was needed.

Horticultural Therapy has been developed and documented since then.  It is both an art and a science, drawing from the fields of Social Services and Horticulture.

The program was started at Edmonds Community College in 1979 and has been going since that year.  The program and individuals who are a part of it have been awarded both National and Regional awards and recognition.

Horticultural Therapy is NOT a medical therapy, although you often work as a member of a medical team.  It is known as a subjunctive or supportive therapy, and is one of the only two living therapies (the other being Pet Assisted Therapy).

 

Q:  Where is Horticultural Therapy used?

A:           It is used in many areas, as a separate program or combined with other activities in Rehabilitation, Vocational Training, Preventive Therapy, Stress Relief, Well-Child Therapy, Senior Programs, individual or residential or developing skills and hobbies for any isolated group of individuals.  It is low maintenance, has a broad variety of skill level and becomes the common denominator for all populations.

 

Q:  What additional coursework/information would be helpful?

A:           In addition to Edmonds Community College certificate and degree requirements, instructional classes and information in any of the following areas will supplement and enhance your professional career:  business courses, plant craft or activity coursework, grant-writing, Adaptive Design for Gardens and ADA requirements.  Other beneficial classes are Container Gardening, Basic Plant Identification, Interior Plants, Pruning, Herbs, Greenhouse Studies, Landscape Studies in addition to the required courses for certification as well.  Students need a basic understanding of year round garden and plant management.

 

Q:   Can I visit some local programs?

A:           The following are all graduates of the program at Edmonds Community College, all are working in Horticultural Therapy at different local agencies and are willing to answer questions.

            Nancy Dolan, H.T.R.                dolann@lycos.com

            Julia Chase                               jchase4@juno.com

            Sheila Taft, H.T.R.                    taft5757@comcast.net

 

Q:    What sorts of jobs are available in Horticultural Therapy/Therapeutic Horticulture?

A:           It is difficult to find full time, well paid jobs in this field.  Most graduates are more successful with supportive degrees and are able to introduce programs gradually or obtain a business license and become independent consultants and are able to work at several agencies and increase their income.

 

Q:    What can I expect to earn?

A:           $10-35 per hour at an agency can be expected.  As an independent consultant your hourly rates can be more realistic, but you must pay all expenses, overhead, insurance and be competitive at the same time.  There is still the assumption among many agencies that you will be very willing to donate your time, supplies and expertise.  CAUTION:  balance this with reality and your own self worth and needs!

 

Q:    What is a registered Horticultural Therapist?

A:           Essential elements of registration are additional completed coursework and/or degrees, 2000 hours of internship and documented work experience.  There are three different levels of registration.  When registration is completed you can now call yourself a Horticultural Therapist, and establish authentic Horticultural Therapy programs. 

Registration is obtained through The American Horticultural Therapy Association located in Lexington, KY. 

                  Toll free:  1.800.634.1603    www.ahta.org

                  201 East Main Street, Suite $1405

                  Lexington KY 40507

 

Q:    Will this give me a better job?  Improved pay?

A:           Not necessarily.  Washington, Oregon, and British Columbia are great gardening areas and are just now recognizing Horticultural Therapy as a successful therapy, and as a profession.  Registration IS important to further your career in this field and employment in many states requires national registration.

 

Q:  Does this mean I will be like a Physical or Occupational Therapist?

A:           NO.  Remember, this is a non-medical therapy.  Horticultural Therapists DO NOT make medical judgments or decisions.

 

Q:  Is there a local group I can contact?

A:           The local chapter of The American Horticultural Therapy Association (AHTA), Northwest Chapter is chaired by:

               Shelia Taft, H.T.R.                taft5757@comcast.net

Students pay a reduced membership fee.  This is an excellent place to network and find out what is going on.  Meetings are held several times a year.

 

Q:    Where can I find some books on the subject and some additional information?

A:           The Edmonds Community College and Center for Urban Horticulture libraries have a lot of useful information related to this field as well as doing an online search.  Sometimes local nurseries, Molbaks or Wights, may be of help as well.

Center for Urban Horticulture Library

3501 NE 41st Street

Seattle, WA 98105

206.897.5268

www.millerlibrary.org

The library contains a superb collection of books on gardening and horticulture, including several on horticultural therapy.