College students face increasing stress and anxiety, contributing to both personal and academic challenges. This study examined the impact of structured therapeutic horticulture programming on university students and findings indicate that the program was associated with significant reductions in stress and anxiety, alongside significant gains in belonging and academic resilience.
Social Media Handles
Instagram : therapeutichorticultureuf
Facebook : UF Certificate in Horticultural Therapy
LinkedIn : Leah Messer Diehl
Speaker biography
Elizabeth (Leah) Diehl - Asst. Research & Teaching Professor - University of Florida - Therapeutic Horticulture Programming & Research
Elizabeth (Leah) Diehl, RLA, HTM is Director of Therapeutic Horticulture at Wilmot Botanical Gardens and Lecturer in the Horticultural Sciences Department at the University of Florida (UF) and a landscape architect, master gardener, and horticultural therapist. She developed and manages the Certificate in Horticultural Therapy at UF, conducts research, and runs therapeutic horticulture programming for diverse populations. In partnership with UF Health departments and clinics, Leah has published papers exploring therapeutic horticulture and student mental health, low back pain, psychiatric inpatients, women with cancer, adults with end-stage kidney disease, and also on the benefits of nature in human health. Leah began her work in horticultural therapy in Chicago in 1993, and has given lectures, workshops, and trainings on horticultural therapy, healing gardens, and related topics throughout the U.S. and abroad.