We grow our planet!

Nurturing Ourselves, Nurturing Our Planet: How Sustainability Roots Therapeutic Horticulture

The gentle act of tending to a plant, feeling the soil with our fingertips, and witnessing new growth – it’s a profound experience that speaks to the very core of the human spirit. For those of us drawn to the “people-plant connection,” we understand that our relationship with the natural world extends far beyond aesthetics; it’s a source of healing, reflection, and well-being. This understanding is the bedrock of therapeutic horticulture, a practice that uses plants and garden-related activities to improve people’s physical, mental, and emotional health.

But what if we told you that the very practices that heal us through horticulture are deeply intertwined with the health of our planet? That’s right: therapeutic horticulture and sustainability aren’t just compatible, they’re two sides of the same verdant leaf, sharing core values that benefit both people and the environment.

Shared Roots: Values that Connect Us

At first glance, one might focus on the individual benefits of therapeutic horticulture, such as stress reduction, improved motor skills, and enhanced social interaction. And all of these are incredibly valuable! But dig a little deeper, and you’ll uncover a rich tapestry of shared values with sustainability:

• Respect for Nature: Both disciplines are founded on a profound respect for the natural world. In therapeutic horticulture, we witness the resilience and beauty of plants firsthand, fostering an appreciation that naturally extends to protecting ecosystems. Sustainability, by its very definition, is about living in harmony with nature to ensure its longevity.
• Interconnectedness: Just as a healthy garden thrives on the intricate relationships between soil, water, plants, and pollinators, our well-being is intrinsically intertwined with the health of our environment. Therapeutic horticulture often highlights these connections, demonstrating how caring for a plant is a microcosm of caring for the planet. Sustainability emphasizes the global interconnectedness of all living things and systems. Our participants grow in understanding this connection with each plant they care for.
• Resourcefulness and Conservation: Therapeutic horticulture often encourages efficient use of resources – water, soil, and even repurposed materials for planters, borders, and other hardscaping. This hands-on experience in mindful consumption directly aligns with sustainability’s focus on conserving resources, reducing waste, and minimizing our ecological footprint. By highlighting that we are not just saving money for our program, but also saving resources for our planet, these ideas begin to take root as our participants carry them out into their community.
• Patience and Long-Term Vision: Gardening teaches patience! Growth takes time. Similarly, therapeutic horticulture fosters a sense of hope and the understanding that consistent effort yields results. This long-term perspective mirrors the core tenet of sustainability: making choices today that benefit future generations.
• Restoration and Regeneration: Whether it’s restoring a blighted urban lot into a therapeutic garden or helping an individual regain a sense of purpose, both practices are about healing and renewal. Sustainability strives to regenerate depleted natural resources and ecosystems, while therapeutic horticulture helps individuals regenerate their own vitality. As we continue pointing out these parallel ideas to our participants, they begin to see the point of sustainability: we are literally building the foundation that will hold us.

Teaching sustainability leads to habits that can last a lifetime.

Why Sustainability is Not Just a “Nice-to-Have” in Therapeutic Horticulture

Embracing sustainable practices within therapeutic horticulture isn’t just about being environmentally responsible; it actively enhances the therapeutic experience and the long-term viability of these invaluable programs.

• Authenticity and Deeper Connection: When participants understand that the plants they tend are grown with minimal environmental impact, using organic methods, and conserving water, it deepens their connection to the natural process and the earth. This authenticity can amplify the therapeutic benefits.
• Educational Opportunities: Integrating sustainable practices provides valuable educational opportunities. Participants can learn about composting, water harvesting, native plants, and biodiversity, empowering them with knowledge and skills that they take home and out into the community.
• Resilience and Longevity of Programs: Sustainable practices often lead to more resilient and cost-effective gardens. Reducing reliance on external inputs, conserving water, and building healthy soil can ensure that therapeutic horticulture programs can thrive for years to come, providing ongoing benefits to the community.
• Leading by Example: Therapeutic horticulture programs can serve as powerful models for sustainable living. By showcasing how beautiful and productive gardens can be created with an eco-conscious approach, they inspire participants and the wider community to adopt similar practices in their own lives. We have the opportunity to teach habits of mind that can last a lifetime!

In essence, by weaving sustainability into the fabric of therapeutic horticulture, we are not only cultivating healthier individuals but also fostering a healthier planet. It’s a holistic approach that recognizes the profound truth: when we nurture the earth, we are, in turn, nurturing ourselves. Let’s continue to dig deep, grow mindfully, and celebrate the powerful, sustainable connection between people and plants.