Therapeutic gardening is the process of promoting physical, mental and social wellbeing for individuals and communities through: gardening, growing food and engagement with the outdoor environment.
There are many ways in which we can garden. Gardening can occur indoors or outdoors and can be done in whatever space is available to an individual or group. Therapeutic gardening promotes mindfulness through nurturing plants and their environment, enhances focus and attention and facilitates physical health by increasing physical activity and – where appropriate – being outdoors.
“Research has shown that gardening can help people through periods of difficulty in their lives; it has proven to show significant reductions in depression and anxiety, improved social functioning and resilience… Gardening can help you get back on top of things and restore balance, it can make you feel happier, more confident and healthier.” (Gardening – The Feel Good Factor, Thrive UK 2019)