Green care and mental health: gardening and farming as health and social care
| Date | 18 August 2010 |
| Pages | 15-22 |
| Published date | 18 August 2010 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.5042/mhsi.2010.0440 |
| Author | Joe Sempik |
| Subject Matter | Health & social care |
Mental Health and Social Inclusion • Volume 14 Issue 3 • August 2010 © Pier Professional Ltd 15
10.5042/mhsi.2010.0440
has been on the aesthetic qualities and tranquillity
of the particular spaces. For example, in the Middle
Ages, many medieval hospitals and monasteries were
built with gardens within their grounds that provided
a peaceful and beautiful space that was considered
to promote reflection and healing (see, for example,
Gerlach-Spriggs et al, 1998).
However, it is not only the natural environment
that was considered to be healthy, but also the
A brief history
Both the experience of the natural landscape and
working within it have been associated with physical
and mental health for a long time. For example, in
ancient Greek culture, Epidauros was considered to
be a place of healing and attracted visitors in the
way that modern religious shrines (such as Lourdes)
do today (see Gesler, 1996). The study of Epidauros
and other healing places led Gesler (1992; 1993) to
propose the concept of a ‘therapeutic landscape’,
which has been used to explore how places and
landscapes can influence the perception of health
and well-being. This viewpoint is essentially from
a cultural and spiritual position. The landscape
itself, its cultural context and its significance to the
participant, all play an important role in its perceived
healing properties. The notion of therapeutic
landscapes has been broadened to include many
different settings and environments that provide the
backdrop to human activities (see Williams, 2007).
Various physical environments are, therefore, seen
as ‘inherently healthy’. In some cases, the emphasis
Green care and mental
health: gardening and
farming as health and
social care
HORTICULTURAL THERAPY
Joe Sempik
Research Fellow at the Centre for Child and Family Research at Loughborough University
Abstract
This article discusses the role that gardening, horticulture and farming can play in promoting mental well-being
and in supporting the recovery of individuals with mental health problems.
Key words
Green care; Mental health; Well-being; Horticultural therapy; Health promotion
Working together at Care Co-ops, Brighton
To continue reading
Request your trial