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.