Horticultural Therapy

‘The use of plants by a trained professional as a medium through which certain clinically defined goals can be met.’

Horticultural Therapy is an integral part of rehabilitation options available for clinicians to treat injured serving personnel at DMRC to enable a return to military life or transition to civilian life.

All patients who come to Horticultural Therapy are referred by their Occupational Therapist (OT) as part of an individual rehabilitation programme. Patients referred to DMRC Stanford Hall have a range of complex physical needs, which often have a psychological and social component, and include:

• Neurological conditions
• Chronic pain
• Complex and traumatic injuries
• A range of upper limb, lower limb, and spinal injuries

The specific reasons for referral to Horticultural Therapy are varied and examples of activities and treatment goals can be seen here.

The HT service operates for 50 weeks of the year and follows the gardening year in all weathers. Patients are able to return until they are fully rehabilitated.

History

Anna Baker Cresswell introduced Horticultural Therapy to the military in the UK in 2007 when she started her first charity, Gardening Leave.

In 2014, HighGround began a three-year pilot to explore the benefits of Horticultural Therapy as an intervention for injured service personnel at Headley Court. Carol Sales, our first Horticultural Therapist delivered 4,072 sessions of Horticultural Therapy to 1,136 patients.

Since September 2018, Steve Waters, our Therapeutic Gardens Manager, and Jane Taylor, Horticultural Therapist, have continued this legacy by providing the Horticultural Therapy service for the Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre (DMRC) at Stanford Hall in Leicestershire as part of their rehabilitation programme for injured soldiers, sailors and airmen.

 

Funding

It costs HighGround £115 to deliver one session of Horticultural Therapy.

Thank you to all our contributors who are making it possible to continue the invaluable Horticultural Therapy service at Stanford Hall.

Find out more about how you can support us.

“Peace and relaxation. The ability to do something simple whilst producing tangible results and a chance to reflect on what is important to me. Identify what is going to maintain a positive mood. Happier. More open minded.”

Horticultural Therapy Patient at Headley Court

“I could use my injured hand without even knowing it. It is a calming environment where not only do you feel relaxed but good about yourself.”

Horticultural Therapy Patient at Headley Court

“I’ve learnt something new at every session and I will take this new found knowledge with me, be it in the future as a new career after completion of my time in the Military.”

Horticultural Therapy Patient at Headley Court

“I have found Horticultural Therapy physically, emotionally and spiritually helpful. I now feel content.”

Horticultural Therapy Patient at Headley Court

“Horticultural Therapy has given me the confidence in completing activities whilst standing. I enjoyed the peaceful environment.”

Horticultural Therapy Patient at Headley Court