Brian Minter: The power of horticultural therapy environments

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Sometimes when we are fully engaged in an endeavour we are passionate about, we often forget the impact it can have on other folks.

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I received a call recently from Kath Lousada, communications specialist with Vancouver Coastal Health, asking for some assistance in reaching out, particularly to seniors, to share the many positive benefits of creating green spaces somewhere within their existing environments.

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She pointed out some of the positive effects on folks as a result of numerous horticultural therapy programs and nature connections currently available in the VCH region. She was hoping to create a greater awareness of the proven benefits to the mental health and well-being of those concerned by simply connecting them to horticulture.

I was introduced to Lindsay Van Huizen, horticultural therapist at VCH, who helped broaden my understanding of how important their programs are, particularly for seniors.

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Van Huizen is passionate about her work and is not only highly qualified in this field, but also holds a Master’s degree in landscape horticulture. She explained that horticultural therapy is the practice of using horticultural activities, garden landscapes and ecosystems to promote a better sense of health and well-being.

It covers “a broad range of services and locations and populations that can be served with goal oriented and defined outcomes and assessment procedures.”

“The goals, objectives and assessments are specific, clinical and, in some part, predetermined through interviews prior to the horticultural therapy taking place,” Van Huizen said.

Some of the activities involved are tailored to physical gardening participation; group gardening, which encourages socialization in a safe atmosphere; nature-based art programs, which are self-expressive; and forest and green space walking to help treat symptoms of depression.

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If you are focusing on helping folks to become more engaged in horticultural therapy, Van Huizen shared some key thoughts on the process.

She said it’s made very “person-centred” by using meaningful, personal connections; caring for house plants is a great example.

By choosing plants with fragrance, colour and particular beauty, that key connection is made. It’s important to use plants that are relatively easy to care for as well.

Ultimately, the plants will have a great calming physiological effect.

Creating a multi-sensory experience is also key; where folks can touch the soil, feel the texture of the foliage and smell the fragrance from flowers and leaves. Herbs are a prime example, with lemon verbena being a winner in all categories.

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Using plants that are safe for both humans and animals when creating horticultural therapy environments is a must.

If the seniors you are connected to, as either family or friends, are somewhat isolated but have access to a small deck, there are ways of meaningfully adding plants for their benefit. You can be very thoughtful in terms of creating something close to a therapeutic garden. Using plants and other elements that inspire all five senses is fundamental.

Strawberries, tomatoes, and small food gardens are ideal so they can taste and enjoy fresh food. Herb gardens are a good choice too, where they experience a wide range of fragrances simply by touching the different foliage. Using highly perfumed plants, like heliotrope and stocks, is very important, and the new butterfly bushes like the Pugster or Lo & Behold series, not only have a delightful aroma, but also attract butterflies and bees.

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Using lots of vibrant colour is a good way to lift spirits. Van Huizen pointed out that individuals respond to colours in different ways, creating a range of emotions.

The rising stars in attracting hummingbirds are the many new varieties of Cuphea, which are easy to grow and bloom all summer and into fall. Hummingbird feeders and bird feeders are also ideal tools to connect with birds.

Water, too, is very soothing. Small tabletop fountains are so easy, and the sound makes a great patio addition. Sometimes a simple water bowl with several water plants, and maybe even a goldfish, can be a very calming connection to nature. Soft sounding wind chimes are very pleasant when they catch a small breeze and add a musical note to the garden.

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The leadership provided by VCH in the field of horticultural therapy and their concepts for and creation of therapeutic gardens is something we can all learn a great deal from. Incorporating these elements into our home gardens is beneficial on an individual level, but our municipal parks and gardens can be far more effective and inclusive if they are designed considering the needs of the entire population, especially seniors.

As Lousada said, the negative effect of COVID on so many people, especially those who were more isolated, has been devastating. The importance and relevance of all our gardens has taken on a new significance.

Van Huizen has laid out a series of design elements that they apply in their own creative therapeutic gardens.

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Safety is a prime consideration when so many older folks have various mobility issues and wheelchair accessibility is a must. Ease of access to all areas via wider pathways, unimpeded foot traffic flow, and elimination of physical barriers are all taken into consideration. Being more imaginative in theming plantings and using a wider diversity of plants makes their gardens more cognitive and interesting.

The restorative nature of the gardens is important, and while plant choices and thoughtful diversity create the setting, the plants must also be well maintained and kept healthy, to ensure a positive experience. Comfort also has a restorative quality, so appropriate seating with attractive viewpoints, in both sun and shade, add to the enjoyment.

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They make sure all their gardens both bird and pollinator friendly. Incorporating plants like grasses, which flow nicely in breezes, add a welcome visual touch, and often some rustling sound too.

VCH has created several therapeutic gardens and even has a mobile unit for patients who cannot visit in person. The difference they are making in peoples’ lives is phenomenal. They help dispel loneliness and a sense of helplessness and can also create opportunities for independence. These gardens help reduce anxiety and stress by creating a calming, restorative environment.

I really appreciate their reaching out to share the many benefits of therapeutic horticulture which are so very important today to all of us, at every age.

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For further information please visit the Canadian Horticultural Therapy Association website at Chta.ca.

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