Therapeutic horticulture offers a whole range of powerful and lasting benefits to our health and wellbeing. It’s an evidence-based practice that’s very cost-effective and carries very few or no side effects or downsides.
Therapeutic horticulture (TH) is a proven way to reduce depression and anxiety. It has been shown to reduce feelings of pain, fear, anger, stress, and sadness.
These infographics encapsulating the positive impacts of therapeutic horticulture on depression and anxiety arose from a study by Dr Carly Wood and colleagues at the University of Exeter and are designed to help health practitioners, patients and policy makers understand the evidence base relating to these aspects of health. The published journal article reporting on the findings of the systematic review and meta-analysis is now freely available via: Frontiers | Effectiveness of social and therapeutic horticulture for reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Best Practice Guide
To raise awareness of the evidence supporting the use of Social and Therapeutic Horticulture (STH) in mental healthcare across potential service users, health
practitioners, policymakers, and commissioners, three infographics were developed. Following webinars with a range of STH stakeholders, the following
guidelines have been developed to support their use and dissemination.
Health Professional Infographic
The aim of this infographic is to encourage health professionals to find out more about STH and to consider offering it as a treatment option for their patients.
Policy Infographic
The aim of this infographic is to encourage policymakers and commissioners to support
the use of STH in healthcare through a range of actions including investment, prioritisation
of services, integration of STH into mental health policy and commissioning guidelines and
training for health professionals.
Service User Infographic
Health and social care settings including GP surgeries, hospital wards, outpatient clinics, physiotherapy occupational therapy clinics walk-in health centres. Health and social care settings including GP surgeries, hospital wards, outpatient clinics, physiotherapy occupational therapy clinics walk-in health centres.
One of the most effective and sustainable ways to increase physical activity, TH it contributes to good cardiovascular, bone and muscle health and is positively correlated with longevity as well as helping reduce inflammation. Through exposure to daylight, it can help boost healthy levels of vitamin D and keep our immune systems in good shape.
When we start gardening or even just look at plants, very quickly our blood pressure and heart rate reduce to healthier zones, and our minds move into a less reactive, more mindful state. This slowing down and relaxing effect happens almost imperceptibly and without us having to try. Importantly, gardening seems to help promote better sleep this is one of the most commonly cited benefits from people involved in therapeutic gardening programmes as beneficiaries, and from practitioners alike
The benefits of gardening
- Depression, anxiety and stress reduction, cognitive restoration and better sleep.
- Sustainable physical activity; myriad benefits - musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, brain health etc.
- Social benefits - reduced isolation, gives a role and structure to the day, being valued in a group.
- BP, heart rate, pain reduction, mindful state, inflammation markers.
- Diet: pride/curiosity = stimulus to exploring/including new foods. Gut/skin microbiome.
- Dementia - cognitive and memory impacts, reduced agitation/aggression.
- Vitamin D, endorphins/feel-good neurotransmitters. Being outdoors linked to reduction in rising child myopia.
Couch Potato? Who, Me?
- Sedentary population: 39% active, less than 1/5 doing 30 mins exercise/day. Diet & physical inactivity biggest causes of ill-health.
- Physical activity = wonder cure, boosting mood, sleep, blood pressure/sugar control, immunity & strength. Gyms not for everyone & outdoor exercise sustained longer.
- Conditions causing most burden (heart disease, neck/back pain, depression, COPD/lung conditions, stroke) share common risk factors: sedentary lifestyles, diet, smoking, alcohol/drug use. Gardening can help address these.
- With the right support, garden groups worldwide can benefit people in need, help prevention, reduce burden on systems. TH adapts to local need: e.g. rehab or supporting older people.
