Horticultural therapist
Horticultural therapists work with people who are disabled or disadvantaged by age, circumstance or ability.
Social and therapeutic horticulture provides programmes that promote health and well-being. Through individually tailored work programmes and with caring and observant encouragement, clients develop confidence in practical and social skills.
Horticultural therapy (or therapeutic horticulture) is used in rehabilitation programmes, providing outdoor activity and physical exercise in a supportive atmosphere. Additionally, sensory stimulus gained from working with shape, form, colours and scents can give pleasure and help towards achieving positive outcomes.
The therapy can involve land use and animal husbandry.
Horticultural therapists work with small groups of people or with individuals on a one-to-one basis.
Typical work activities include:
Although this area of work is open to all graduates/diplomates, the following degree/HND subjects may increase your chances:
Entry without a degree or HND is often possible.
Horticultural therapy is usually taken up as a second career. Entrants often have experience in social work, teaching, occupational therapy or nursing. Others may have a background in a horticulture discipline or extensive voluntary experience in horticultural activities.
A select number of institutions offer degree level study in social and therapeutic horticulture; often in conjunction with the charity Thrive . In most cases these are available as part-time and distance learning options. Course providers include Coventry University and Writtle College in Essex.
A pre-entry postgraduate qualification is not essential.
Candidates need to show evidence of the following:
Therapists also need to be very observant and able to motivate, encourage and recognise when to give praise for small advances. A high level of independence is also required.
It is advisable to build up work experience with children or adults in caring situations. If you do not have a horticultural qualification, voluntary work in special schools or hospitals with a therapist may help. Advertised posts almost always require horticultural experience and a recognised qualification, such as a national certificate in horticulture, NVQs/SVQs or a degree/foundation degree. Competition for jobs is high and few posts are advertised so it may be worth making speculative applications/enquiries.
For more information, see work experience and internships and search courses and research.
The extent and quality of training will largely depend on the employing organisation. Most training is on the job according to the needs of the individual.
Thrive offers a range of short courses aimed at those who wish to help people with disabilities or special needs. These courses equip learners with skills and techniques, which in turn enable them to help others benefit from the therapeutic aspects of horticulture. Each course focuses on the needs of a different group, such as those with learning disabilities, special educational or mental health needs, and older people with conditions such as dementia.
The charity also offers bespoke training and can tailor courses to meet requirements. A future aim of the organisation is the development of a postgraduate qualification in social and therapeutic horticulture.
The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) offers programmes of training, including the Wisley Diploma in Practical Horticulture (WDPH). This is a two-year course of paid work experience and academic study, leading to the RHS Diploma in Horticulture. Applications must be received by 31 January for courses commencing in September. Applicants will normally be expected to hold a National Certificate in Horticulture, an RHS Level 2 in Horticulture, or similar. This is usually attained via day-release classes at horticultural college. Work experience is gained through paid employment within RHS gardens. RHS also offers the One Year Specialist Option Certificate which is a 12-month programme of paid work experience offered in six different disciplines.
Initial promotion may be to supervisory positions, which may require moving to a different employer. There may also be opportunities for therapists to become involved in research projects alongside their therapeutic work.
To improve your chances of promotion, you could work towards horticultural qualifications such as the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Diploma in Horticulture. The Institute of Horticulture (IoH) provides professional membership options; see its website for details of membership eligibility criteria and the benefits of joining.
For those wishing to proceed to the RHS Master of Horticulture award, MHort (RHS), it is essential to have at least three years of relevant professional experience and qualifications such as the RHS Level 3 Diploma or BTEC National Diploma. The MHort (RHS) is one of the highest that can be achieved in the profession and tests horticultural knowledge, understanding and practical skills. Assessments consist of traditional written papers, projects, critiques, practical assessments and a dissertation. The qualification normally takes three years of personal study to complete.
Horticultural therapy continues to develop in the UK, with the national charity, Thrive , at the forefront of its development. The charity is the largest employer of horticultural therapists, employing staff to work in its two garden projects in Reading, Berkshire and Battersea Park, London. Thrive also supports around 900 garden projects around the UK. Links with charities involved in this field include Bridewell Organic Gardens , Cultivations , Growability , Growing Matters Garden Centre and Root & Branch .
Potentially, you may find work in:
Some further education colleges have very large special needs departments with many students undertaking horticulture qualifications.
Though not widespread, some horticultural therapists become self-employed freelance therapists. Currently, however, opportunities for working in this way are likely to be extremely limited.
There may be some opportunities for employment overseas. In the USA, horticultural therapy is well established in most states. In other countries, especially Australia and Canada, this career is developing, and there may be some opportunities in Japan. Thrive can provide useful addresses and links.
Recruitment agencies rarely handle vacancies. Be aware that relevant job advertisements often use a variety of other titles, such as 'technical instructor' or 'project worker' when referring to horticultural therapy posts.
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