In Defense of HT

So this week in class, we had a debate-- related to health care (right v. privilege). Clearly, in a room full of social workers the consensus was largely to the left, but some lessons were learned from the process of debate itself. It became evident the importance of knowing the topic history, definition, and related "variables". You may be in support of something, but can you defend it? Define it? Critically analyze it? Always a challenge, but worth some thought.

In review of some literature on Horticultural Therapy (HT), the historical perspective of plants is prevalent. An article by Jules Janick ( Horticulture and Human Culture, 1990), discussed the history of human beings as hunter-gatherers for 99% of the two million years that our species has existed. Agricultural societies have existed for only 10,000 years!! Think back to elementary school, when we learned about what hunter-gatherers do. This type of existence was entirely immersed in, and dependent on the environment, completely in sync with the Earth's seasons and rhythms. Their survival was based on their knowledge of plant species, growth patterns, and use of plants materials. And they survived (a shorter life span, but still!) Some say that archaeological evidence and cave drawings support that there was more leisure time during pre-agricultural societies. I wonder if they were a happier and more productive society?.... My point is, this immersion and dependence on the natural environment is embedded in our ancestry, our DNA. Are disorders or behaviors such as ADD/ADHD or depression just symptomatic of our need for more interaction with the natural environment? (I think yes, but more on that later).

Then came agricultural societies, then industrialized. Slowly, plants have become devalued, but remained a commodity. What an irony that something we need so badly for survival so easily loses respect and prevalence in our society. Janick (1990) explored the idea that we need plants, they don't need us. We could die off as a species and vines would take over, grass would continue to grow. The disappearance of plants? That would mean no food for us, or the animals that we eat, no materials for the clothes that we wear, or the homes that we inhabit. The flavors, dyes, medicines, synthetic materials that we use multiple times a day, every day come (partially) from plants. What about trees? The prevention of erosion, areas for exercise or playtime, shade, and oxygen. This may seem redundant but I think it slips from our consciousness as a society, the utter dependence that we have on plants. 

So, what does this have to do with HT? And what is HT? The best definition that I can articulate is the use of the natural environment as a way of enhancing, educating, and preserving human life and human relationships. The practice of HT creates an interaction or bond among humans and plants. It encourages humans to have respect, reverence, and knowledge of plants. Which then translates to other human beings. It can encourage skills that increase the improvement of self, families, and communities. It's going back to our roots, and using what has always been within our reach.

Horticultural Therapy and Social Work???

This blog is being created as part of an Independent Study project in my graduate course work in Social Work at Virginia Commonwealth University. The topic of Horticultural Therapy (HT) is certainly not a new philosophy or therapeutic approach, but one with age-old roots that is being revived. Its' increase in prevalence and popularity may be in part to societal trends and efforts of living "green", the local and slow food movements, or maybe because it just makes sense. For me, it's the latter. I find that immersing oneself in elements of our natural environment can enhance and heal multiple aspects of self.

One may wonder, what does HT have to DO with Social Work? In my preliminary research I have come to see their innate connection. An examination of core values of both social work and horticulture makes their combination just seem intuitive. The core values of social work? 1. Service 2. Social Justice 3. Dignity and worth of the person 4. Importance of human relationships 5. Integrity 6.Competence
Values often associated with horticulture, farming, or work with plants include good stewardship and responsibility to the land, hard work, nurturing, patience, perseverance, and acceptance. I believe that the use of horticulture therapy while upholding social work values can have the capacity to improve multiple challenges and enhance the physical, social, emotional, and behavioral functioning of any individual. Social workers strive to gain a holistic perspective of their client, and assess their bio-psycho-social-spiritual well being. We are obligated to remain innovative and resourceful in creating and applying intervention techniques. This may mean using a vegetable garden as a metaphor to teach life skills, or spending time in fragrant herb or flower gardens to decrease anxiety. Both of these suggestions cost very little, and may be a new approach that truly "reaches" a certain client.

There are multiple definitions for Horticultural Therapy, this week I will consider this further to develop a definition that has strong implications for a social work perspective. I encourage anyone else interested to please share their thoughts, ideas, suggestions, and resources on the subject!

Peas and love!