Care farms and care gardens: horticulture as therapy in the UK

Abstract

This paper describes the use of Social and Therapeutic Horticulture (STH) for vulnerable people in the UK. Around 20,000 clients attend STH ‘projects’ each week. Projects provide activities for people with mental health problems, learning difficulties, physical disabilities, black and ethnic minorities and many other vulnerabilities. The benefits of attending projects include a structured routine and the opportunity for social contact. The natural, outdoor setting is particularly valued and may act as a restorative environment within the context of environmental psychology