There are four elements that are essential for an activity to qualify as horticultural therapy if it is to be considered a profession eligible for the same status as other caring professions.
a defined treatment procedure that focuses on horticultural or
gardening activities
a client with a diagnosed problem who is in treatment for that
problem
a treatment goal that can be measured and evaluated
a qualified professional to deliver the treatment
Associations with Programs for Special Populations
American Community Gardening Association, Pennsylvania Horticulture Society, 100 N. 20th Street/5th floor, Phila 19103. Tel: 215-988-9800.
American Horticultural Society, 7931 East Boulevard Drive, Alexandria, VA 22308-1300. AHS '93 Children's Gardening Symposium Proceedings, "Children, Plants, and Gardens: Educational Opportunities," July 1994 American Horticulturist. AHS '95 National Youth Gardening Symposium, "Gardens for Youth: Nourishing Mind, Body, and Heart" June 27-30, 1995, in Pasadena, California.
American Horticultural Therapy Association, 362A Christopher Avenue, Gaithersburg, MD 20879. tel: 1-800-634-1603.
Friends of American Horticultural Therapy, Inc., 362A Christopher Avenue, Gaithersburg, MD 20879. tel: 1-800-634-1603.
Gardeners of America/Men's Garden Clubs of America, Inc., 5560 Merle Hay Road, P.O. Box 241, Johnston, IA 50131. tel: 515-278-0295.
