Rooted in Healing: A Brief History of Therapeutic Horticulture
Plants have always had a special place in our lives — for food, beauty, and shelter — but they’ve also been quietly working their magic as healers of the human spirit for centuries. Today, therapeutic horticulture is a growing field that uses the power of plants to support mental, physical, and emotional well-being. But this is no modern trend — the roots of this practice run deep through history.
Ancient Civilizations (2000 BCE – 500 CE)
Long before "therapeutic horticulture" had a name, people recognized the restorative power of nature. Ancient civilizations used gardens as places of reflection, healing, and spiritual renewal. Ancient Egypt featured temple gardens designed for both beauty and meditation. Persian gardens were crafted to symbolize paradise — enclosed, serene spaces meant to restore the soul. In ancient Greece and Rome, physicians like Hippocrates and Galen believed that nature played an essential role in healing.
Middle Ages (500 – 1500 CE)
In medieval Europe, monastery gardens were centers of both herbal medicine and peace. Monks tended to plants not only for healing the body but also as a spiritual practice. Cloister gardens offered a quiet place for contemplation, prayer, and recovery — an early example of using nature intentionally for emotional and psychological benefit.
Early Modern Period (early 1800s)
In the 19th century, the idea of using gardening for therapy began to take clearer form. One pivotal moment came in the aftermath of war. Dr. Benjamin Rush, a signer of the U.S. Declaration of Independence and considered the father of American psychiatry, wrote about the positive effects of working with plants on mental health as early as the 1800s.
World Wars and Hospital Gardens (1914 – 1945)
During World War I and II, gardening was introduced in hospitals to help wounded soldiers recover from trauma. These early programs showed that tending to plants helped reduce anxiety, build physical strength, and restore a sense of purpose.
Formalization of the Field (1950s – 1970s)
By the 1950s and 60s, horticultural therapy emerged as a more formalized practice, especially in rehabilitation hospitals and psychiatric institutions. Universities began offering training and research programs, and professional organizations formed. The American Horticultural Therapy Association (AHTA), established in 1973, helped establish standards and a professional code of ethics. At the same time, therapeutic horticulture grew as a broader umbrella term that includes any use of gardening or plant-based activities to enhance wellness — whether led by a credentialed therapist or simply facilitated in a supportive environment.
Modern Expansion (1980s – Present)
Today, therapeutic horticulture is used in a wide range of settings:
- Memory care gardens for people with dementia
- School gardens for children with learning differences
- Wellness programs for veterans, seniors, and trauma survivors
- Community gardens that bring people together to heal and connect
The history of therapeutic horticulture shows us what we’ve always known intuitively: plants heal. Therapeutic horticulture has expanded into schools, elder care, mental health treatment, correctional facilities, and community wellness programs. It is now practiced in a wide range of settings, with growing recognition of its benefits for mental, physical, and social well-being. It continues to grow as a meaningful and accessible way to reconnect people with nature and support healing across our lifespan. This practice honors the deep connection between people and plants — a relationship that’s as old as humanity itself.