World Therapeutic Horticulture Day 2024

World Therapeutic Horticulture Day is a global celebration of therapeutic horticulture, that takes place on the 18th of May. The day is dedicated to highlighting the numerous therapeutic benefits of horticulture and gardening, such as improved mental and physical health, as well as the positive impact it can have on the environment.

Therapeutic horticulture is a practice that involves using plants, gardens, and nature to help people improve their health, wellbeing and quality of life.

 There are many reasons to celebrate therapeutic horticulture. First and foremost, it has been shown by over 30 years of research evidence to be an effective approach to help people deal with a wide range of physical and mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, and chronic pain. It can also help people improve social skills, reduce stress and anxiety, and increase self-esteem.

The celebration is the brainchild of Fiona Thackeray, CEO of the therapeutic gardening charity Trellis. 

Fiona says: 

‘The aims of World Therapeutic Horticulture Day are to raise awareness about the therapeutic use of horticulture throughout the world, the skilled practitioners who work in this field and the benefits this brings to society. We want to connect and partner with other groups around the world that are focused on therapeutic horticulture, horticultural or garden therapy and other nature or plant-based interventions.

 

There are many reasons to celebrate therapeutic horticulture. First and foremost, it has been shown to be an effective therapy for a wide range of physical and mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, and chronic pain. It can also help improve socialization skills, reduce stress and anxiety, and increase self-esteem. We have projects running across the UK but there are hundreds of projects across the world which are helping groups and individuals. We wanted to highlight the health benefits of gardening and the outdoors.'

The aim of the day is to

•  Raise awareness about the therapeutic use of horticulture throughout the world, the skilled practitioners who work in this field and the benefits this brings to society.
• To connect and partner with other groups around the world that are focused on therapeutic horticulture, horticultural or garden therapy and other nature or plant-based interventions.

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