The New York Botanical Garden

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Horticultural therapy is the engagement of a participant in horticultural activities facilitated by a trained therapist to achieve treatment goals. It is the oldest of the healing therapies and uses the relationship between people and the natural environment to affect human wellness. Horticultural therapy programs are currently operating in hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, special education schools, mental health programs, correctional facilities, and many social service agencies. Those with a passion for plants and an interest in improving the lives of others can use this training to begin a new career. Professionals in healthcare and human services can expand their repertoire of therapy by integrating new skills and activities into their current practice.

Pursue a Certificate in Horticultural Therapy, or enroll in individual courses.

The Program Coordinator, Phyllis D'Amico, HTM, is a registered horticultural therapist with the American Horticultural Therapy Association and has worked in the field for over 25 years with children and adults of all ages and abilities. Phyllis has created an award-winning horticultural therapy program for special needs students at the New Jersey Regional Day School in Newark, where she is the Lead Science Teacher and Horticultural Therapist. She specializes in children’s garden design, organic gardening, nutrition education, and community inclusion programs. Phyllis earned a Certificate in Horticultural Therapy from the Botanical Garden, where she has also been an instructor for 20 years.

Blog Posts:

Horticultural Therapy Points Student in New Direction
by Anne Meore