Horticultural therapy (HT) can address the physical, psychological, vocational and emotional needs of wide range of participants in a varierty of settings. HT programs are professionally conducted and use gardening and plant-realted activities as a means toward acheiving goals of rehabilitation and wellness.

HT programs may take place in:

• Retirement communities to address the needs of the elderly.
• Medical facilties for healing of specific physical or mental conditions such as stroke, burns, depression or substance abuse.
• Schools for vocational training or development of basic skills for special needs or at-risk students.
• Hospice centers to address the emotional needs of families.
• Prisons for training of inmates
• Farms and nurseries for vocational training for those with developmental disabilites.
• Public gardens to a wide range of clients to improve physical, emotional and social issues.
• Horticultural therapy activities are usually conducted over a period of time and may include tending gardens, working in nurseries or propagating plants.

  Horticultural therapists are trained in horticulture, social sciences and with specific training in horticultural therapy. HTR is a designation given to horticultural therapists who have met all the criteria established by the American Horticultural Therapy Association, www.ahta.org.
  Definitions of Programs, Gardens and Professionals

  List of Garden Books for Children