Horticulture Therapy

Early Egyptian healers recognized the curative effects of horticulture and prescribed garden walks for patients. However, the formalization of horticultural therapy as a method of treatment is a very modern occurrence. The American Horticultural Therapy Association (AHTA) was founded in 1973 to advance the practice of horticulture as a therapy to improve human well-being.

Perkins' contemporary program of horticultural therapy began as a part-time pilot program in 1979. Through a grant from the Thomas Anthony Pappas Charitable Foundation, Perkins constructed its first greenhouse and teaching center. Horticultural therapy at Perkins became a national model which outgrew that original greenhouse.

Horticulture therapy for people at Perkins, who are blind, visually impaired, deafblind, or have multiple disabilities, means satisfaction, fun and a sense of accomplishment. Benefits are psychological, social, cognitive, academic and physical. Plants are chosen to emphasize a variety of color, taste, scent, texture and sound to achieve as meaningful a sensory experience as possible. Some people find deep satisfaction in tending to a small corner of the world that often feels beyond their control. Others with physical limitations develop mastery of assistive devices and adaptive equipment to maximize independence. Producing items of intrinsic value, such as wreaths or holiday flowers, brings the satisfaction of creating something pleasing of quality to sell and valued by others. Many students use their new skills in off campus work.