Horticulture therapy was first identified in the 1800s by Dr. Benjamin Rush as a way to provide psychological, developmental, and physical benefits through cognitive-based skills teaching. According to the American Horticulture Therapy Association, gardening provides advantages like reducing stress and improving memory, while also encouraging teamwork, nurturing behavior, and teaching marketable skills. Penrith Farms is a 320-acre community in Washington that uses organic gardening and life skills programs to build confidence for young adults transitioning from their teen years.

1. Enhancing Self-Worth through Gardening, by Penrith Farms
An emerging field, horticulture therapy (HT) was first academically identified by Dr. Benjamin
Rush in the 1800s. Rush is often referred to as "the Father of American psychiatry," and is one of
the founding fathers of the United States. Horticulture therapy is cognitive based and used to
teach skills for psychological, developmental, and physical benefits.
According to the American Horticulture Therapy Association (AHTA), advantages of the simple
use of HT include the following:
- Rewards nurturing behavior
- Diminishes stress, tension, and anger
- Improves memory
- Provides physical exercise and sensory stimulation
- Is nonthreatening
- Encourages teamwork and social activity
- Teaches marketable skills
The AHTA is a membership organization that provides a comprehensive Web site at
www.ahta.org.
About the author: Penrith Farms is located on 320 acres in the state of Washington. Its Young
Adult program provides a guided, confidence-building community for young women and men
moving from their teen years into adulthood. Its programs teach organic gardening, music, and
life skills. To find out more, visit http://www.penrithfarms.com.