Introduction to Horticultural Therapy ~ New York Botanical Garden ` For more information, Please see websites below: ` Organic Edible Schoolyards & Gardening with Children http://scribd.com/doc/239851214 ` Double Food Production from your School Garden with Organic Tech http://scribd.com/doc/239851079 ` Free School Gardening Art Posters http://scribd.com/doc/239851159` ` Increase Food Production with Companion Planting in your School Garden http://scribd.com/doc/239851159 ` Healthy Foods Dramatically Improves Student Academic Success http://scribd.com/doc/239851348 ` City Chickens for your Organic School Garden http://scribd.com/doc/239850440 ` Simple Square Foot Gardening for Schools - Teacher Guide http://scribd.com/doc/239851110

1. Introduction to
Horticultural
Therapy
NEW YORK BOTANICAL
GARDEN
Charles A. Sourby MS Ed. CTRS
2/27/2008

2. The People-Plant Connection

3. The People-Plant Connection
• Plants and gardening can be part of all
programs that strive to improve the
quality of life.
• Plants provide appealing, adaptable
ways to transform the environment that
we live and work in.

4. The People-Plant Connection
• Horticulture and gardening is a popular
leisure activity that offers opportunities
for socialization.
• Is an enjoyable experience that
renews enthusiasm for living.

5. The People-Plant Connection
• A developed Horticultural Therapy
program provides the tools for:
– increased physical activity
– increased ssoocciiaall aaccttiivviittyy
– increased cognitive functioning
– increased relatedness to the Natural
world

6. The People-Plant Connection
• Horticultural therapy activities enrich
and expand life’s experiences.
• Horticulture activities ccaann ffaacciilliittaattee
clinical goals:
– While adding to the individual's capacity
for enjoyment.

7. The People-Plant Connection
• Research has shows that involvement
in therapeutic horticulture programs
maintains or improves life satisfaction
or the quality of life ooff ppaarrttiicciippaannttss..
• Kansas State University
• Rusk Institute
• Calvary Hospital
• Palliative Care Institute

8. Benefits

9. Social Benefits
• Provides endless topics for discussion
where opinions can be freely
expressed
– on an equal level, aass oonnee ggaarrddeenneerr ttoo
another
• Motivates cooperation among groups

10. Social Benefits

11. The Garden
• Accessible
• Relaxing
• Educational
• Inviting

12. Getting Around the Garden
• Paths & surfaces: paved area must be
smooth, level & firm
• Provide good traction at all times
• Ramps must not exceed 5% grade
• Handrails may be needed
• Proper width of paths

13. Getting Around
• Provide direct routes through the garden
• Paths shall have a sharp contrast at the
eeddggee
• Provide a large gathering area
• Reduce glare and heat absorption

14. Raised Beds

15. Enabling Garden Structures

16. Enabling Garden Structures

17. Enabling Garden Structures

18. Enabling Garden Structures

19. Enabling Garden Structures

20. Enabling Garden Structures

21. Garden Tools
• Adapting tools
– Lightweight
– Longer handles
– Smaller bbllaaddeess && ttooooll hheeaaddss
– Tool handles & grips
– Springs in tools for assistance

22. Garden Tools
• Types of tools
– Reaching aids
– Gripping aids
–– LLeevveerraaggee aaiiddss
– Cutting aids
– Watering aids
– General garden helpers

23. Garden Tools

24. Adapting the Plants
• Emphasize plants with interesting
color, scent, texture & form
• Choose plants bbaasseedd oonn aammoouunntt ooff
maintenance you can do
• Use plants with four-season interest

25. Adapting the Plants
• Use plants that attract birds,
butterflies and other wildlife
• Include eeddiibbllee llaannddssccaappiinngg
• Use indigenous plants as much as
possible

26. Adapting the Plants

27. Types of Plants
• Vegetables
• Bulbs
•• AAnnnnuuaallss
• Perennials
• Ornamental grasses

28. Perennials

29. Perennials

30. Types of Plants

31. Vegetables

32. Ornamental Grasses

33. Types of Plants
• Vines
• Herbs
•• SShhrruubbss
• Trees
• Fruit trees
– Dwarf fruit trees

34. Five Steps to Garden Design
• Base information: size, location, sun
pattern etc.
• Site analysis
• Checklist of wants & needs (wish list)
• Concept plans
• Final design

35. Seed Starting Trays

36. Hebrew Hospital Home

37. Calvary Hospital

38. Calvary Hospital

39. Calvary Hospital

40. Calvary Hospital

41. Trumpet Vine & Butterfly Bush

42. Contemplation

43. References
Rothert, Gene & Laurie Nauffs, The
Enabling Garden,
Taylor Publishing, TX 1993.
Sourby, Charles && MMiicchhaaeellaa BByyrrnneess,,
Therapeutic Recreation Certification
Study Guide, Therapeutic Recreation
Directory, WV 1999.

44. NYBG