RESEARCH

Therapeutic Gardening: A Community-Led, Community-Wide Approach

Early results show that therapeutic gardening activities help people feel better mentally and emotionally, while also bringing communities together. Participants reported feeling less stressed and more confident after taking part in these gardening programs.

Program Types: Social, Therapeutic

Population Groups: Corrections/Justice-Involved, General Population, Immigrants/Refugees, Mental Health Challenges/Trauma

Setting or Context: Community Gardens, Jails/Prisons, Rehabilitation Centers

Health and Wellness Outcomes: Community Building, Enhanced Emotional Well-being, Improved Mental Health, Improved Stress Management, Increased Self-Efficacy

Allied Profession Intersections: Social Work

Type of Activity: Edible Plant Gardening, Environmental Education, Forest/Natural Area Immersion, Growing Plants from Seed, Outdoor Gardening

Evidence Type: Case Studies

Measurement and Evaluation: Program Effectiveness

Access: Paid

Summary

This research explores how gardening programs can help people heal from trauma and stress, especially in community settings. The study highlights how gardening provides a break from daily worries and challenges, giving participants space to relax and recover emotionally. Through activities like therapeutic gardening workshops, researchers noticed that people felt mentally refreshed and gained confidence by learning new skills. The researchers also interviewed participants to gather feedback on their experiences and found that gardens offered a supportive environment for both personal growth and community building.

One theory in the research explains that traumatic events often cause people to lose important things in their lives, from homes to a sense of self-worth. Gardening, according to the researchers, helps people regain these resources by creating a safe, nurturing space where they can rebuild confidence, connect with others, and enjoy small successes. Early data show that these programs have helped participants improve their well-being and supported stronger community ties.