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 ProfessionalsList of Garden Books for Children