Background
Elizabeth (Leah) Diehl, director of Therapeutic Horticulture at Wilmot Gardens and manager of UF’s Certificate in Horticultural Therapy in the Environmental Horticulture Department, began her research with the goal of finding answers surrounding the benefits of human wellness using plants and nature. Prior to UF, Diehl worked in the horticultural industry starting a therapeutic and pre-vocational program in Chicago to help those with physical and developmental disabilities. In addition to her work in Chicago, she also served as Editor-in- chief of the peer-reviewed Journal of Therapeutic Horticulture for 15 years. Diehl began her research journey in 2015 at the University of Florida after receiving local funding for a therapeutic horticulture program. Alongside her research and work at UF, she continues to work with the National Parks Board of Singapore to help bring therapeutic horticulture and resources into their culture.
Therapeutic Horticulture at UF Wilmot Gardens
Diehl’s background in therapeutic studies is directed to help those with anxiety, depression, loneliness, and various other medical conditions. Offered at UF's Wilmot Gardens are a variety of therapeutic horticulture programs with a mission to help participants with medical conditions restore or maintain emotional, social, physical, and cognitive function depending on the specific needs of the program attendees. During these sessions, participants work alongside Diehl and other volunteers to do hands-on activities which can include participating in the planting process, helping tend throughout the growth stages, propagation techniques, or a plant-based art activity. The overall goal of the hands-on horticulture activities stated by Diehl are to not only educate the participants on how to grow plants but also, “...increase their confidence in growing plants, help them to recognize the role that plants and nature play in personal wellness, and then also learn these wellness strategies," Diehl said. Due to the fact that it can be difficult to research special populations, Diehl and her team have faced many challenges throughout their studies.
Horticultural Therapy Research Projects
Diehl embarked on her research endeavor with the aim of delving into the advantageous effects of plant therapy techniques on human well-being. In addition to her research on gardens and their restorative potential, she leads a horticultural therapy and therapeutic horticulture program for a variety of different communities. Diehl is currently conducting multiple studies which include a therapeutic horticulture program for University of Florida students, as well as a study with Parkinson’s patients and their care partners. The goal of the study with UF student participants is to understand students dealing with stress, anxiety, depression, loneliness and various other issues before participating in the program versus after the therapeutic horticulture program is completed.
Over a period of eight weeks, students will learn techniques that introduce them to new wellness strategies using self-awareness and reflection skills along with horticulture-based activities to help achieve better mental health. Moreover, the therapeutic horticulture program specific to individuals with Parkinson’s disease and their caregivers uses gardening techniques such as taking cutting and mixing soil, as it helps to stimulate the nervous system. When working with Parkinson’s patients, a variety of techniques are used, as the disease can affect their movement and coordination abilities. Both research programs are rewarding to not only Diehl but also to the participants, as they see great physical and cognitive growth throughout the program as well as an increase in their overall mental health through an avenue of plant science.
Overcoming Challenges
Throughout the course of Diehl’s journey in the field of horticultural therapy, she has faced and overcome a variety of obstacles. In reference to her research at the University of Florida, two of the biggest challenges she faces are recruiting participants to join the program as well as retaining participants. While the horticultural therapy program is of no charge to attend, some participants have trouble regularly attending the sessions. A factor that plays a large role in attendance is health complications, as many of the participants have illnesses. Although health issues can make research more difficult, working and communicating with participants throughout the program makes it an extremely supportive and welcoming environment for them to return to. Besides presenting participants with a positive environment, the biggest draw of participating is, “You’re growing plants, you’re in this beautiful garden, and you get to take lots of plants home,” said Diehl.
The Future of Horticultural Therapy
Through Diehl’s research she has seen overall growth in each group that has participated in therapeutic horticulture programs. “The most rewarding for me… we found that those students [UF] that participated in eight therapeutic horticulture sessions with us, showed decreased stress and anxiety, and showed increased resilience and even academic resilience, which was really exciting,” said Diehl. Additionally, in a study conducted with participants on dialysis, Diehl’s research found that individuals with kidney disease felt less of a burden after participating in the program. While findings are always surprising and unique to each participant's case, research continues to show the benefits of both horticultural therapy and therapeutic horticulture for physical and mental health improvements.
Everyone deals with stress, anxiety as well as various disorders and illnesses in a different manner. It is important for everyone to find something that works well for them and their condition or symptoms. Mental health treatment can look very different depending on the individual, condition, and severity. Horticulture Therapy can be a great option for people dealing with different mental health issues or are looking to try something new or step out of their everyday routine. Research has demonstrated that programs like the one Diehl offers you can make a meaningful impact on your life. Take the first step today by joining the growing community of individuals benefiting from the healing properties of plants at UF’s Wilmot Gardens or through local therapeutic horticulture activities.
Please explore the website to learn more: About Therapeutic Horticulture at UF
About the Authors
Téa Startz is a senior at the University of Florida, majoring in Agricultural Education and Communication with a concentration in Communication and Leadership Development. Post-graduation, she plans on pursuing a career in the sports community with a career goal of working in a sports communications or operations department. Additionally, Elizabeth Lamm is a junior at the University of Florida, majoring in Agricultural Education and Communication with a concentration in Communication and Leadership Development with a minor in Management and Sales in Agribusiness. After completing her bachelor’s degree Elizabeth plans on continuing her education in the real estate field with an end goal of attending law school and practicing real property, probate, and trust law in the state of Florida.