education

Horticultural Therapy

What is Horticultural Therapy?

Horticultural Therapy (HT) is an add-on therapy that uses gardening and nature-related activities to facilitate health and well-being. It is used with clients of all ages and by professionals in hospitals, long-term care facilities, schools, prisons, group residences, and day programs.

The Gardens’ Horticultural Therapy program was initiated by a Gardens’ docent in 1983 and is tailored to the strengths and needs of each group. Our on-site programs provide hands-on activities including plant propagation, harvesting and cooking fresh produce, garden maintenance, floral arranging, wreath-making, flower pressing, and much more! Visit the raised garden beds area near the Gardens’ compost area where you can see first-hand our on-site program at work.

Horticultural Therapy Program Services

Activities are centered around achieving specific therapeutic goals, such as increasing self-confidence, socialization, creative self-expression, improving communication skills, decreasing stress, or practicing skills related to activities of daily living. In our pre-vocational programs, participants have the opportunity to develop transferable job-related skills and responsibilities including gardening maintenance, tool inventory, and greenhouse management.

Therapeutic Model

Seeks physical or psychological outcomes

  • Enhance recovery from illness or injury
  • Support treatment of mental health issues

Examples of goals: Reduce or alleviate pain, regain muscle strength, improve endurance, increase self-confidence, regain a sense of control, increase ability to self-advocate, develop and practice positive coping mechanisms, and reduce blood pressure and cortisol levels.

Vocational Model

Seeks work-related skills and outcomes

  • Blends therapy and training with a connection to real work conditions
  • Promotes an effective strategy for supporting a more inclusive workforce

Examples of goals: Increase communication skills, enhance knowledge of horticulture and career opportunities, increase self-confidence, attainment and/or mastery of transferable horticultural skills, and increase endurance.

Wellness Model

Seeks to improve physical, cognitive, emotional, and/or social aspects of well-being

  • Facilitates social interaction and community engagement
  • Fosters environmental stewardship
  • Focuses on the improvement of well-being and overall quality of life


The History of Horticultural Therapy at the Gardens

The Horticultural Therapy program was initiated by a docent, Helen Cowles, in 1983. It was then led by the late Dr. Juliet Niehaus (pictured left) for over 20 years. She built a program serving people with disabilities and other life challenges that received national recognition. She also cared diligently for our flock of chickens, another element of the program!

During these past few decades, the Tucson Botanic Gardens has served a wide range of participants, including senior citizen centers, memory care centers, local high schools, and recovery groups.