Horticultural Therapy: Modern Medicine

By Kaitlin Polnik

After learning about the power of horticultural therapy by a registered horticultural therapist, it became clear how beneficial this form of healing was.

Horticultural therapy is the practice of horticulture (or the growing and caring of plants) to improve human well-being. This type of therapy acts as a medicine because it is shown to relax participants and eliminate stress from their lives.

Whether you are recovering from a disease or are bogged down by your high stress lifestyle, you may find indulging in horticultural therapy may be the connection you need to move in a positive direction.

Horticultural therapy may include growing a vegetable garden, planting flower pots, making flower arrangements, and many more activities. The benefits of horticultural therapy are plenty, but here are a few to inspire you to incorporate this therapy into your own life.

Connect with Nature

With the increasing hustle and bustle of every day life, remembering to immerse yourself in nature might be the last thing on your mind. However, once you take your first steps to connecting with nature on a daily basis, you will find an array of benefits may they be spiritual or physical.

Relieve Stress

Instead of reaching for the remote after work, involving yourself in a horticultural activity may be the relief you are secretly craving. Going out into the garden to plant flowers, water crops, or maintain plants will give you physical exercise as well as stress relief.

Cultivate Empowerment

Another amazing benefit of horticultural therapy is its ability to self empower you. Learning how to sucesssfully grow plants will give you a sense of accomplishment.

When you are able to care for the life of the plants, it is rewarding knowing you are responsible for their growth. Success in this aspect of your life can positively affect your attitide and carry into other areas of life.

No matter how you imerse yourself into horticultural therapy, you will reap the benefits. Whether you participate with a friend or make it a leisurly activity to do solo, you can accomplish the above goals. Happy horticulture.

Kaitlin Polnik is a junior at Rutgers University studying journalism and environmental policy. She hopes to become an active participant in preserving the environment and working towards a sustainable future. In her spare time she enjoys running, writing, and spending time with her family.