Clatworthy, 2013, Gardening
journal article
Journal of Therapeutic Horticulture
Published By: American Horticultural Therapy Association
https://www. jstor .org/stable/26111989
An increasingly robust evidence base supports the therapeutic value of nature on mental health and wellbeing. The rise in reported mental ill-health across the world has major implications for the effective use of healthcare budgets, as well as economic consequences. Health practitioners may need to consider going beyond traditional mental health service provision and look to more widespread engagement with community-based interventions. This is especially important given that the structured nature of service provision may present significant challenges for some people with mental ill-health (MIND, 2016). Thus, this study explored the experiences of volunteers with mental health problems attending an unorthodox center in a woodland setting within the North West of England, which seeks to promote health and wellbeing through green exercise¹. An ethnographic approach, involving the use of fieldwork diaries and photographs, explored the center's informal and unique physical and socio-cultural environment. Formally researching as outsiders on participants was deemed incongruent with the empowering ethos of the center. Following a six-week relationship building period, in which the researchers immersed themselves in the practical activities, individual fieldwork interviews were conducted with each of the volunteers (n=11). Transcribed data revealed three key themes underpinning the self-reported positive impacts on personal mental health and wellbeing. The importance of the physical and social environment was paramount, whereby volunteers recognized the restorative effects of the natural environment, but also stressed the flexible, informal and 'no nonsense' ethos of the center, combined with the social support, as major factors in delivering positive health outcomes. The clear sense of purpose and meaning underpinning activity choice/participation, and the feeling of togetherness this fostered, were also major influences. Using existing skills and developing new ones demonstrated the power of occupational engagement in enhancing enjoyment, achievement and overall contribution. Recognition of the influence of the context and structure of services on people's ability to engage in therapeutic activities is therefore crucial in order to enable people to access support in their mental health recovery.
The Journal of Therapeutic Horticulture (JTH) is the peer-reviewed academic journal of the AHTA. Published regularly since 1986, it is internationally regarded as the premiere publication in the field of horticultural therapy. The JTH publishes manuscripts twice per year on the many facets of the profession including research, case studies, program and service descriptions, therapeutic garden design, and other issues in the profession.
The American Horticultural Therapy Association is the only US organization committed to promoting and developing the practice of horticultural therapy as a unique and dynamic human service modality. A 501(c)(3) nonprofit, AHTA advocates on behalf of the professional interests of horticultural therapy practitioners and strives to increase beneficial outcomes for participants, host facilities, researchers, and educators.
Clatworthy, 2013, Gardening
Source: https://www.jstor.org/stable/26111989
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