Frequently asked questions

  • According to the American Horticultural Therapy Association (AHTA), the primary difference between horticultural therapy and therapeutic horticulture is in the level of professional involvement and structure.

    Horticultural Therapy:

    This is a formal, structured form of therapy in which a trained and certified horticultural therapist uses plants and gardening activities as a tool to achieve specific therapeutic goals. It is delivered as part of a treatment plan and is designed to address physical, mental, emotional, and social well-being. The therapist designs activities that align with the therapeutic needs of the individual or group and assesses progress over time.

    Therapeutic Horticulture:

    This is a more informal approach to using plants and gardening activities to improve well-being. While it may still be beneficial and conducted in settings like hospitals or senior centres, it is more of a general activity that is intended to enhance well-being, but without the structured therapeutic goals or assessment that horticultural therapy includes.

    In short, horticultural therapy is a professional and structured treatment administered by a trained and certified therapist, while therapeutic horticulture is a broader, more casual use of gardening for personal or group well-being, without the same level of professional oversight.

    Read more about the American Horticultural Therapy Association definitions here.

  • Benefits include reduced stress, improved mood, enhanced social interaction, increased physical activity, and the development of new skills.

  • Both horticultural therapy and therapeutic horticulture is beneficial for individuals of all ages, including those with physical disabilities, mental health conditions or developmental disorders.

  • Absolutely! Both horticultural therapy and therapeutic horticulture can complement other forms of therapy and is often used in conjunction with occupational, physical, mental health, music and speech therapies.

  • We offer a variety of programmes, including group sessions, individual therapy, workshops, and community outreach initiatives. Activities generally include horticultural activities or other plant-based activities. Find out more about our current programmes by contacting us here.

  • Yes, our programs are designed to be inclusive and accessible for individuals with various physical and cognitive disabilities.

  • Currently we do not have any virtual sessions. However, feel free to reach out to us and we will assess the request on a case by case basis.

  • Each session typically lasts between 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on the specific programme.

  • No prior gardening experience is required. Our programmes are tailor made to suit the needs and abilities of our participants.

  • We prioritise safety and follow all health guidelines. We maintain a clean, safe environment for all our programmes.

  • Yes, fees vary depending on the programmes. We are also constantly looking for corporate sponsorship to support our programmes for various beneficiaries.

  • Yes. Depending on the nature of the programmes, we encourage participants to bring friends or family for support, especially in group sessions.

  • Participants are encouraged to wear comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes, and a bottle of water to stay hydrated. We provide tools and materials, depending on the nature of the activity.

  • We will be developing our public programmes soon. If you represent a group or organisation, feel free to contact us to find out more.

  • We are currently building our greenhouse (Plant Therapy Studio) at City Sprouts Henderson. We will open our doors to welcome volunteers, interns, and partnerships soon! Stay tune for more updates on our website and social media.