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Marla Lise

This is an introduction course to the basic concepts of Therapeutic Horticulture and its application. Learners will be introduced to the basic types of horticultural practices such as viticulture, floriculture, arboriculture, etc.. Learners will find out what therapeutic horticulture is  and how  gardening can be used as a form of theory. In particular, learners will learn what the Biophilia Theory is and be introduced to the benefits of horticulture. Learners will be taught how therapeutic horticulture can be used as a means of rehabilitation and care. In addition, learners will be shown how gardening can be adapted to meet the needs of people with disabilities. Lastly, learners will be introduced to the factors in designing therapeutic gardens.

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What's inside

Learning objective

Basics of therapeutic horticulture

Syllabus

Learners should be able to list the basic types of horticultural practices.
Basic Types of Horticultural Practices - Part 1
1.1_Basic Types of Horticultural Practices
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Provides a broad introduction to the basics of therapeutic horticulture
Suitable for learners with no prior knowledge in therapeutic horticulture
Covers various types of horticultural practices, such as viticulture, floriculture, and arboriculture
Explores the therapeutic benefits of gardening, including its application in rehabilitation and care
Provides insights into adapting gardening for individuals with disabilities
Discusses the principles of designing therapeutic gardens

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Reviews summary

Foundational introduction to therapeutic horticulture

According to learners, 'Basics of Therapeutic Horticulture' provides a solid, foundational introduction to the field. Many found the lectures to be clear and well-structured, offering insightful practical applications relevant to various professions. Students particularly appreciated learning about Biophilia Theory, its role in rehabilitation and care, and how to adapt gardening for people with disabilities. While highly praised as an entry point, some reviewers noted a desire for more in-depth coverage, especially concerning practical exercises and advanced garden design principles, suggesting it serves best as a comprehensive overview rather than an exhaustive professional guide.
Inspires further learning and provides a launchpad for deeper study.
"It definitely sparked my interest to delve deeper into this specialized area."
"It laid a very strong foundation for further study. The concluding sections on garden design were a great summary, although I agree with others that more depth would be beneficial in a follow-up course."
"I wouldn't say I'm ready to design a therapeutic garden solo, but I know what questions to ask and where to look for more information. It's a good stepping stone..."
Detailed focus on Biophilia Theory, rehabilitation, and disability adaptations.
"It covers a wide range of topics, from basic horticulture types to the Biophilia Theory, which I found fascinating."
"The section on rehabilitation and care was eye-opening. It definitely sparked my interest to delve deeper into this specialized area."
"I especially liked the emphasis on Biophilia Theory and its relevance. Definitely a course that inspires further learning."
Highly valuable for professionals in therapy, design, and care roles.
"The information on adapting gardens for disabilities was particularly insightful and relevant for my work as an occupational therapist."
"As a landscape designer, I've been looking for ways to incorporate therapeutic elements into my projects. This course provided a fantastic overview and practical ideas."
"As someone who volunteers at a care home, this course was incredibly valuable. It gave me a new perspective on how to engage residents through gardening activities."
A well-structured course offering a clear, comprehensive introduction.
"This course was an excellent introduction to therapeutic horticulture. I appreciated the clear explanations of basic concepts and the practical applications discussed."
"A good foundational course. It covers a wide range of topics, from basic horticulture types to the Biophilia Theory, which I found fascinating."
"Very informative for a beginner! It truly covers the 'basics' as advertised. I now have a much better understanding of what therapeutic horticulture entails..."
Some learners desired more practical application and detailed design.
"I felt some parts could have gone deeper, especially the design principles for therapeutic gardens. It felt a bit rushed towards the end."
"While the subject matter is interesting, I found the course to be a bit too superficial. It touches on many topics but doesn't go into enough detail..."
"Disappointed with the lack of practical application. The course is mostly theoretical, listing concepts but not showing *how* to implement them effectively."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Basics of Therapeutic Horticulture with these activities:
Review biological science vocabulary
This course requires a working knowledge of biological science terminology. Reviewing this will help you in the long run.
Show steps
  • Apply prefixes and suffixes to root words
  • Define and categorize biological terms
Interactive Online Tutorials
Supplement your learning by exploring online tutorials and simulations related to therapeutic horticulture. These interactive resources provide a practical and engaging way to reinforce concepts and gain a deeper understanding of the field.
Show steps
  • Search for online tutorials on therapeutic horticulture websites or platforms.
  • Follow step-by-step instructions and complete interactive exercises.
  • Take quizzes and assessments to test your comprehension.
Case Study Analysis
Develop your analytical skills and apply therapeutic horticulture principles by analyzing real-world case studies. This hands-on activity allows you to critically examine different approaches, evaluate outcomes, and identify best practices.
Show steps
  • Read and analyze case studies provided by the instructor or from reputable sources.
  • Identify the therapeutic goals, interventions, and outcomes of each case.
  • Discuss your findings and insights with peers or the instructor.
One other activity
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all four activities
Volunteer at a therapeutic horticulture garden
Volunteering at a therapeutic horticulture garden will give you hands-on experience in this field.
Show steps
  • Find a therapeutic horticulture garden to volunteer at
  • Contact the garden and inquire about volunteer opportunities
  • Complete any necessary training

Career center

Learners who complete Basics of Therapeutic Horticulture will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Therapeutic Horticulturist
Therapeutic Horticulturists are healthcare professionals who use plants and gardening to improve the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of their patients. This course can help you gain the knowledge and skills you need to become a successful Therapeutic Horticulturist. You will learn about the basics of horticulture, as well as the therapeutic benefits of gardening. You will also learn how to design and implement therapeutic gardens, and how to adapt gardening to meet the needs of people with disabilities.
Horticultural Therapist
Horticultural Therapists use gardening and plants to help people with disabilities or special needs achieve their rehabilitation goals. This course can help you gain the knowledge and skills you need to become a successful Horticultural Therapist. You will learn about the basics of horticulture, as well as the therapeutic benefits of gardening. You will also learn how to design and implement therapeutic gardens, and how to adapt gardening to meet the needs of people with disabilities.
Landscape Architect
Landscape Architects design and create outdoor spaces, such as parks, gardens, and other public areas. This course can help you gain the knowledge and skills you need to become a successful Landscape Architect. You will learn about the basics of horticulture, as well as the principles of landscape design. You will also learn how to design and implement therapeutic gardens, and how to adapt gardening to meet the needs of people with disabilities.
Garden Designer
Garden Designers create and maintain gardens for both residential and commercial clients. This course can help you gain the knowledge and skills you need to become a successful Garden Designer. You will learn about the basics of horticulture, as well as the principles of garden design. You will also learn how to design and implement therapeutic gardens, and how to adapt gardening to meet the needs of people with disabilities.
Arborist
Arborists are tree care professionals who specialize in the care and maintenance of trees. This course can help you gain the knowledge and skills you need to become a successful Arborist. You will learn about the basics of horticulture, as well as the principles of tree care. You will also learn how to design and implement therapeutic gardens, and how to adapt gardening to meet the needs of people with disabilities.
Florist
Florists create and arrange flowers for a variety of occasions, such as weddings, funerals, and special events. This course can help you gain the knowledge and skills you need to become a successful Florist. You will learn about the basics of horticulture, as well as the principles of floral design. You will also learn how to design and implement therapeutic gardens, and how to adapt gardening to meet the needs of people with disabilities.
Viticulturist
Viticulturists are grape growers who specialize in the cultivation and management of grapevines. This course can help you gain the knowledge and skills you need to become a successful Viticulturist. You will learn about the basics of horticulture, as well as the principles of viticulture. You will also learn how to design and implement therapeutic gardens, and how to adapt gardening to meet the needs of people with disabilities.
Nursery Manager
Nursery Managers oversee the operation of plant nurseries, which grow and sell plants for a variety of purposes. This course can help you gain the knowledge and skills you need to become a successful Nursery Manager. You will learn about the basics of horticulture, as well as the principles of nursery management. You will also learn how to design and implement therapeutic gardens, and how to adapt gardening to meet the needs of people with disabilities.
Park Ranger
Park Rangers protect and manage national parks and other public lands. This course can help you gain the knowledge and skills you need to become a successful Park Ranger. You will learn about the basics of horticulture, as well as the principles of park management. You will also learn how to design and implement therapeutic gardens, and how to adapt gardening to meet the needs of people with disabilities.
Rehabilitation Counselor
Rehabilitation Counselors help people with disabilities achieve their rehabilitation goals. This course may help you gain the knowledge and skills you need to become a successful Rehabilitation Counselor. You will learn about the basics of horticulture, as well as the principles of rehabilitation counseling. You will also learn how to design and implement therapeutic gardens, and how to adapt gardening to meet the needs of people with disabilities.
Social Worker
Social Workers help people with a variety of social and emotional problems. This course may help you gain the knowledge and skills you need to become a successful Social Worker. You will learn about the basics of horticulture, as well as the principles of social work. You will also learn how to design and implement therapeutic gardens, and how to adapt gardening to meet the needs of people with disabilities.
Occupational Therapist
Occupational Therapists help people with disabilities or special needs improve their physical, cognitive, and social skills. This course may help you gain the knowledge and skills you need to become a successful Occupational Therapist. You will learn about the basics of horticulture, as well as the principles of occupational therapy. You will also learn how to design and implement therapeutic gardens, and how to adapt gardening to meet the needs of people with disabilities.
Physical Therapist
Physical Therapists help people with disabilities or special needs improve their physical mobility and function. This course may help you gain the knowledge and skills you need to become a successful Physical Therapist. You will learn about the basics of horticulture, as well as the principles of physical therapy. You will also learn how to design and implement therapeutic gardens, and how to adapt gardening to meet the needs of people with disabilities.
Speech-Language Pathologist
Speech-Language Pathologists help people with disabilities or special needs improve their communication skills. This course may help you gain the knowledge and skills you need to become a successful Speech-Language Pathologist. You will learn about the basics of horticulture, as well as the principles of speech-language pathology. You will also learn how to design and implement therapeutic gardens, and how to adapt gardening to meet the needs of people with disabilities.
Gardener
Gardeners maintain and care for plants in a variety of settings, such as private homes, businesses, and public parks. This course may help you gain the knowledge and skills you need to become a successful Gardener. You will learn about the basics of horticulture, as well as the principles of gardening. You will also learn how to design and implement therapeutic gardens, and how to adapt gardening to meet the needs of people with disabilities.

Reading list

We've selected six books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Basics of Therapeutic Horticulture.
Provides practical guidance for clinicians on how to use horticulture as a therapeutic intervention for a variety of mental and physical health conditions.
Provides a practical guide to designing and creating therapeutic gardens, with a focus on the needs of people with physical and mental health conditions.
Explores the concept of biophilia, the innate human tendency to seek connections with nature, and its implications for human health and well-being.
Explores the psychological and spiritual dimensions of the environmental crisis, and provides ways to heal our relationship with nature.

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