Social & Therapeutic Horticulture
What is social and therapeutic horticulture? Simply put, it's the use of plants and gardening activities to improve physical and mental health, as well as social and educational skills. It's about connecting with nature in a purposeful way to nurture well-being. How do we use it Beyond the Wall? Our dedicated team uses the garden as a unique space to support adults with disabilities. Through hands-on gardening tasks, from sowing seeds and tending to plants to maintaining our beautiful grounds and orchards, our client gardeners gain so much more than just horticultural skills.
Meaningful Activities
Meaningful activities in therapeutic horticulture offer numerous mental, emotional, and physical benefits. Engaging with nature through gardening tasks like planting, weeding, or harvesting fosters a sense of purpose and accomplishment. These activities enhance fine motor skills, reduce stress, and improve mood by promoting relaxation and mindfulness
Being physically active
Being physically active in the garden and spending time outdoors offers numerous health benefits. Gardening activities like digging, planting, and weeding improve strength, flexibility, and coordination. Regular movement supports cardiovascular health, reduces the risk of chronic illness, and aids in weight management
Social Engagement
We also encourage social interaction, especially in group settings, reducing feelings of isolation. Cognitive benefits include improved concentration, memory, and problem-solving abilities. Furthermore, nurturing plants helps individuals develop patience, responsibility, and empathy.
Enjoying the outdoors
Exposure to natural light boosts vitamin D levels, enhancing bone health and immune function. Being outdoors also reduces stress, anxiety, and depression, while increasing feelings of calm and well-being. The sensory stimulation from nature—sights, sounds, and smells—engages the mind and body, promoting mindfulness. Overall, outdoor gardening encourages a healthier, more active lifestyle and supports holistic well-being.