Therapeutic Horticulture
According to the the American Horticultural Therapy Association (AHTA) defines Therapeutic Horticulture. It involves horticultural activities led by a registered horticultural therapist or trained professionals. These professionals use horticulture as a therapy method to achieve program goals. Participants in Therapeutic Horticulture improve their well-being. They do this through active or passive involvement with plants and plant-related activities.
Therapeutic gardens play a key role. They offer a safe and supportive environment filled with greenery for these programs.
Conditions resulting in a successful Therapeutic Horticulture Programme
(Adapted from Model of Horticultural Therapy and Therapeutic Horticulture Practice by Elizabeth R.M. Diehl, RLA, HTM, University of Florida)
Activity Features
Zentosa 2023 #LiveWELL #FeelWELL
“The Zentosa LiveWELL festival is an annual event. Running as part of the Wellness Festival Singapore run by Sentosa Development Corporation. It aims to present a holistic approach to wellness. And introduce different ways to achieve balance in people’s lives. Through 3 main pillars- Fitness, Emotional & Mental Wellness and Lifestyle.
Conducted at the Sentosa Nature Discovery and Imbiah Trail. Our therapeutic forest walks focus on the healing and sensorial qualities of nature. It allows participants to tune in to the surrounding greenery. As part of FeelWELL @ Fort Siloso. Our therapeutic horticulture
Young Adults Activities! 2022 (YAA!)
The Rainbow Centre Young Adults Activities! The (YAA!) programme was one of our first programme serving a social activity club that strives to support the quality of life for persons with moderate-to-severe disabilities by reducing social isolation.
“It was a delight to work with Xin Kai because he took the initiative to adapt the programmes to suit the needs of our young adults with special needs and patiently developed a close working relationship with them. The programme offered a good mix of activities which were horticulture-based and nature-based crafts, and concluded with an outing at Singapore Botanic Gardens’ Ethanbotany Garden, where our members were treated to a sensorial experience and provided an opportunity to reinforce their classroom sessions in an outdoor setting.
Xin Kai’s team was very professional and communicated well with our staff and volunteers on the activities and flow of the programme. I recommend Hortherapeutics for their curated activities for persons with special needs.”
Magdelene NG (Senior Programme Executive)
Young Adult Activities, Rainbow Centre
(Photo Credits: Rainbow Centre)
The Micron Greenhouse Programme 2022
Organized by The Greenhouse Community Services Ltd. The Micron Greenhouse Programme is a Therapeutic Horticulture programme in collaboration with The Greenhouse SG. The Greenhouse is a substance addiction recovery centre for vulnerable communities. The programme allowed beneficiaries to explore themes of hope, purposes and identity. Through sessions of garden and nature-based art activities. Including rare plant propagation, seed mandala and terrarium making.
“In creating a therapeutic horticulture programme for trauma survivors at our centre. we had many concerns in engaging a vendor, especially since this was also the very first time. we were funded by a corporate entity. Jun Xiang and Xin Kai put in a lot of time and effort to understand our needs. in order to ensure that we could co-create a sustainable programme that can truly help our clients heal and grow. Which is something we deeply appreciate. We highly recommend them not just as vendor, but as a community partner, and can’t wait to work with them again.”
Alaric Tan (Founder)
The Greenhouse
The NParks Therapeutic Horticulture Programme
“The NParks Therapeutic Horticulture Programme uses plants and nature-based activities to maximise the benefits of the therapeutic gardens. With growing interest in the advantages of therapeutic gardens and therapeutic horticulture. sessions are specially created for seniors, persons with dementia and other special needs. The sessions aim to promote low intensity exercise. As well as improving motor skills, stimulate memory and promote mindfulness. It allow positive interaction in Nature.
The programme also encourages intergeneration interactions between seniors and children. Bothseniors and children work to create beautiful nature-based art. Involving several cognitive and sensory stimulation, physical exercise and sense of creativity. Importantly, intergenerational engagement in the therapeutic garden helps in reducing social isolation . It benefit children with their conversations and activities with each other.”
NParks Explore Jurong Lake Gardens 2023
“This session is hosted by the National Parks Board, with support by the National Arts Council. The therapeutic horticulture programme were held from March 2 to March 5, 2023. As part of NParks' Explore Jurong Lake Gardens 2023 event. It welcomed around 240 beneficiaries. Including elders, people with dementia and kids with special needs. As well as members of the public.
The sessions were tailored according to the needs of various beneficiary groups. For example, senior participants were guided in exploring the therapeutic garden, reminiscing and rediscovering the various edible plants and herbs. Also get hands-on with activities, like seed mandala making to exercise their fine motor skills. Our young participants were given a sensory treat. It helped them exploring the various sights, sounds and textures in the garden. And participated with scented sachet making using dried herbs and flowers. Members of the public also get a hands-on experience in the garden learning. They learnt about the different plants and making pressed flowers book marks. Enhancing their family bonding sessions in a verdant environment.”
Every programme is designed and tailor-made to the needs of our clients. Our goal is to restore attention, reduce stress, rejuvenate our mind and body. And encourage each participant to relate themselves with nature. Here are some examples of activities to explore with us:
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Plant Propagation
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Watering
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Pruning
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Weeding
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Flower Pot Painting
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Scented Sachet Making
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Flower Pressing
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Leaf-Printing
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Terrarium Making
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Flower Arrangement
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Kokedama Making
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Seed Mandala