Articles
The garden as setting for horticultural therapy
Article number
1121_7
Pages
39 – 46
Language
English
Abstract
Whilst today horticultural therapy as a method is internationally renowned, discussions about its quality continue.
These discussions however mainly address the therapist or the therapeutic process.
This paper argues that the garden as setting for treatment in horticultural therapy is essential for effective treatment.
Whilst this seems to be reflected in the literature that horticultural therapy draws on for scientific argumentation, the garden itself is rarely discussed – it is neither defined as a prerequisite for horticultural therapy nor is there a sound theory base for its effects in a treatment.
Research usually centres on nature as a remedy; definitions of nature nonetheless often remain vague.
The garden as a setting for horticultural therapy, which combines natural elements – namely plants – and cultural aspects – the cultivation and design of gardens – is often overlooked in this context.
Attempts to define qualities of therapy gardens therefore continue to be problematic.
Examining terminology from other fields of research, the author argues that the garden in horticultural therapy provides a setting in different meanings of the word: it is the scenery within which horticultural work takes place; at the same time it is the clinical setting, in which therapy is conducted.
It is this combination of functionality and meaning that constitutes the added value of horticultural therapy as a cure for various symptoms.
These discussions however mainly address the therapist or the therapeutic process.
This paper argues that the garden as setting for treatment in horticultural therapy is essential for effective treatment.
Whilst this seems to be reflected in the literature that horticultural therapy draws on for scientific argumentation, the garden itself is rarely discussed – it is neither defined as a prerequisite for horticultural therapy nor is there a sound theory base for its effects in a treatment.
Research usually centres on nature as a remedy; definitions of nature nonetheless often remain vague.
The garden as a setting for horticultural therapy, which combines natural elements – namely plants – and cultural aspects – the cultivation and design of gardens – is often overlooked in this context.
Attempts to define qualities of therapy gardens therefore continue to be problematic.
Examining terminology from other fields of research, the author argues that the garden in horticultural therapy provides a setting in different meanings of the word: it is the scenery within which horticultural work takes place; at the same time it is the clinical setting, in which therapy is conducted.
It is this combination of functionality and meaning that constitutes the added value of horticultural therapy as a cure for various symptoms.
Authors
N.J. Huxmann
Keywords
garden design, healing garden, nature, landscape, wilderness, culture, meaning
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