An Examination of Horticultural Therapy Implications for Foster Children

The implications of horticultural therapy and therapeutic gardening for foster communities have not been thoroughly studied. However, related literature supports a potential positive implication of this hypothesis.Horticultural therapy is beneficial for children in numerous ways; for instance, assisting foster-children specific needs and furthering the treatment of mental disorders. Defined as therapy within a garden setting, horticultural therapy mimics play therapy in that participants are encouraged to feel more comfortable with their surroundings. Therapeutic gardening refers to mindful gardening activities to promote physical and mental well-being. For the purposes of this study, “horticultural therapy” and “therapeutic gardening” will be used interchangeably. Even with foster-specific needs, foster children still exhibit the same behaviors as any other child. Benefits of horticultural therapy for children within “standard” residencies are still prominent for foster children. Foster children also face a plethora of mental disorders; the benefits of therapeutic gardening would help alleviate these mental ailments and aid these troubled individuals. Foster children also harbor specific needs stemming from their time in the foster system. These needs can be met through horticultural therapy. An exploration of the physiological/psychological implications of horticultural therapy and therapeutic gardening on children in group foster home care will be beneficial to many interest groups. This will benefit the foster community and current research due to the lack of research in the field of study. The foster community may experience benefits through increased mental health treatment opportunities, improving quality of life for foster children and easing operations to foster children service providers.