What is Horticulture Therapy?

Horticultural Therapy is about having fun and enjoying life. At Hollyhock Nursery in Ashland, Oregon, I initiated and managed a Horticultural Therapy program for developmentally disabled client/workers, which supplemented their routine nursery work of porpagating ground covers and perennials. This program resulted in a lowered frequency of violent behaviors, an increase in propagation production, and much singing and merriment.

Lately, I have been considering providing our geriatric population with a Horticultural Therapy program. I have been taking a former client (retired) out for coffee, talking about plants and helping him with his vegetable garden. During the summer, I will be working with a crew of Developmentally Disabled youth at Hollyhock Nursery.