Horticulture—the study of plants, can be a powerful tool to help individuals with disabilities gain these cognitive and psychomotor skills. Gardening—a component of horticulture is a great way to use one’s horticultural knowledge to boost an individual's physical, social, and psychological well-being, as well as gain more rewards through the production of food, such as nutritious fruits and vegetables.1
Research has shown that gardening could help individuals develop fine motor skills. Gardening activities such as planting, weeding, and watering can help individuals to develop fine motor skills like hand-eye coordination, grip strength, and dexterity.2, 3, 4
Gardening could provide individuals with a sense of purpose and accomplishment, as they can physically see the fruits of their labor.5, 6 Furthermore, horticulture could be utilized as a stress-management tool. Previous research findings during the Covid-19 pandemic indicate that gardening may help lower stress levels, as it typically empowers individuals to focus on the present moment, which could be incorporated to one’s occupational therapy regimen as a form of mindfulness.7, 8
The act of gardening has been shown to aid individuals in managing conditions associated with cognitive impairment. Specifically, research suggests that activities such as planting, watering, and weeding could help individuals with cognitive impairments to enhance their ability to plan and forecast effectively, even in virtual reality settings.9, 10
Managing a variety of health conditions can often be an isolating experience for individuals. However, incorporating gardening into one’s occupational therapy regimen could promote social interaction, and build rewarding relationships in the community. Especially for individuals with disabilities, gardening could provide a social outlet and provide a great opportunity to connect their peers and expand their support system.11, 12
Finally, past research indicates that horticulture could offer a way for individuals to express their creativity. Horticultural activities, such as designing flower beds for the creation of a garden could help individuals to tap into/express their creativity in a safe and supportive environment.13
For additional information about how OT by the Sea can help you leverage the benefits of gardening in occupational therapy, book a session today.
References
1. Soga, M., Gaston, K. J., & Yamaura, Y. (2017). Gardening is beneficial for health: A meta-analysis. Preventive medicine reports, 5, 92-99.
2. Soga, M., Cox, D. T., Yamaura, Y., Gaston, K. J., Kurisu, K., & Hanaki, K. (2017). Health benefits of urban allotment gardening: Improved physical and psychological well-being and social integration. International journal of environmental research and public health, 14(1), 71, 1–13.
3. Nicklett, E. J., Anderson, L. A., & Yen, I. H. (2016). Gardening activities and physical health among older adults: a review of the evidence. Journal of Applied Gerontology, 35(6), 678-690.
4. Giraud, E. G., El-Sayed, S., & Opejin, A. (2021). Gardening for food well-being in the COVID-19 era. Sustainability, 13(17), 9687.
5. Triguero-Mas, M., Anguelovski, I., Cirac-Claveras, J., Connolly, J., Vazquez, A., Urgell-Plaza, F., ... & Cole, H. (2020). Peer Reviewed: Quality of Life Benefits of Urban Rooftop Gardening for People With Intellectual Disabilities or Mental Health Disorders. Preventing chronic disease, 17, 1–13.
6. Theodorou, A., Panno, A., Carrus, G., Carbone, G. A., Massullo, C., & Imperatori, C. (2021). Stay home, stay safe, stay green: The role of gardening activities on mental health during the Covid-19 home confinement. Urban Forestry & Urban Greening, 61, 127091.
7. Egerer, M., Lin, B., Kingsley, J., Marsh, P., Diekmann, L., & Ossola, A. (2022). Gardening can relieve human stress and boost nature connection during the COVID-19 pandemic. Urban Forestry & Urban Greening, 68, 127483.
8. Shimada, H., Lee, S., & Makizako, H. (2019). Reversible predictors of reversion from mild cognitive impairment to normal cognition: A 4-year longitudinal study. Alzheimer's research & therapy, 11(1), 1-9.
9. Hsieh, C. H., Chen, C. M., Yang, J. Y., Lin, Y. J., Liao, M. L., & Chueh, K. H. (2022). The effects of immersive garden experience on the health care to elderly residents with mild-to-moderate cognitive impairment living in nursing homes after the COVID-19 pandemic. Landscape and Ecological Engineering, 1-12.
10. Wood, C. J., Polley, M., Barton, J. L., & Wicks, C. L. (2022). Therapeutic community gardening as a green social prescription for mental ill-health: Impact, barriers, and facilitators from the perspective of multiple stakeholders. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(20), 13612.
11. McGuire, L., Morris, S. L., & Pollard, T. M. (2022). Community gardening and wellbeing: The understandings of organizers and their implications for gardening for health. Health & Place, 75, 102773.
12. Chermaz, A. (2023). Growing the Seeds of Well-Being in the Garden. In Therapeutic Landscape Design: Methods, Design Strategies and New Scientific Approaches (pp. 21-31). Cham: Springer International Publishing.
13. Benedek, M., Bruckdorfer, R., & Jauk, E. (2020). Motives for creativity: Exploring the what and why of everyday creativity. The Journal of Creative Behavior, 54(3), 610-625.