Humans need to be with nature, or it can affect their psychological and physical health. Nature can prevent stress. Horticulture, or gardening, therapy places people back in nature. This kind of therapy is also called green care, eco-care, therapeutic horticulture, or therapeutic gardening. It is a therapy using plants, natural materials, nature experiences, and other gardening or nature activities to improve the health of the people participating. Ideally, these are led by trained therapists with specific treatment goals, and this kind of therapy is considered very accessible. Members of the community being included in the therapy is also recommended to express a sense of normalcy to the activity.

Horticulture therapy and sessions should include a new environment, becoming comfortable and developing a sense of belonging, shelters to avoid exposure as well as fencing, sensory experiences with a supportive environment, increased awareness of negative thoughts, many opportunities for activities, and new approaches to develop the courage to change and move forward with life after loss.

There are many benefits to horticulture therapy. These include providing social activity, moderate exercise, something to look forward to each session, goal-directed nature interactions that lead to more interactions in the future, meaningful occupation, and fresh air. These gardening activities refresh participants and give them new tools, techniques, and approaches to help them develop their own positive strategies for life outside of the garden. There is an increase in stress reduction and general improvement in well-being. People who work with nature on a deeper level may access areas of their being they didn’t access before, and they may develop a stronger relationship with the world. There is also a good amount of acceptance which allows for positive thoughts, development of stronger confidence, relaxation, and appreciation for the present moment.

Participants see the lifecycle of plants which can help with the acceptance of death. They find comfort in the changing parts of the garden because they can create and maintain life. They find meaningfulness, joy, and the development of empathy. These activities can also help reduce subclinical anxiety and depression.

BELL Garden is a community garden based in Nashville, Tennessee, United States. They requested a mental health program as part of continued community outreach and chose bereavement as their focus. The program developed was one of eight to ten week long groups based on the seasons of the year but on a quarter system of thirteen weeks each to allow breaks between groups. Each group will consist of up to eight adults ages 18 and over with no limitation of time since the death unless the person is still openly mourning. A grief counselor will oversee the group.

The sessions will have a structure of welcome, identifying the theme of the meeting, discussion of personal stories or feelings, and education based on gardening and nutrition topics.

At the end of the eight to ten week session, each person will take home something from the garden: seedlings, dried or potted herbs, seeds, microgreens, or seasonal recipes.