Social and Therapeutic Horticulture in the UK: The Growing Together Study

The practice of ‘social and therapeutic horticulture ’ (STH) has developed from rehabilitation and occupational therapy and has been used extensively among many different vulnerable groups both in the US and the UK. However, the need for more research evidence to support the claims of its effectiveness has been recognised. This paper summarises the results of the ‘Growing Together’ programme, the first major study to survey the current level of STH activity in the UK and to examine its effectiveness through an in-depth study of gardening projects. It concludes that benefits arise from activities that have purpose and coherence and which promote social inclusion. These activities take place within a specific garden space that has been created, defined and decorated by project users. There is a sense of place and belonging. The natural settings of the garden projects may act as a restorative environment within the context of environmental psychology