We use therapeutic horticulture by using plants and gardens to improve physical and mental health, as well as communication and thinking skills. It also uses the garden as a safe and secure place to develop someone's ability to mix socially, make friends and learn practical skills that will help them to be more independent. Horticulture is special because it is so flexible in a repetitive way that it simulates the mind.
This is used to bring about positive changes in the lives of people living with disabilities or ill health, or is isolated, disadvantaged or vulnerable.It can deliver improvement in many areas from physically health to psychological confidence.
Physically it doesn't just make people stronger with better stamina but allows them to remain active whilst working on skills and mobility. This in turn allows them to be more relaxed, feel safe, secure and be more independent and work in part of a team.
Psychological it stimulates the mind to remain active and allows self esteem and confidence to improve through sense of achievement. Psychologically, people feel good when gardening through the process of growing.
Horticulture also develops empathy within additional needs and rebuild skills that they have lost or never had the opportunity to acquire. ‘If you see your plant grow you don't want it to die and you take responsibility for it,
’Empathy’ has many different definitions that encompass a broad range of emotional states, including caring for other people and having a desire to help them. Horticulture helps them to develop this emotion