ISHS Acta Horticulturae 790: VIII International People-Plant Symposium on Exploring Therapeutic Powers of Flowers, Greenery and Nature
HORTICULTURE AND HUMAN WELL-BEING: A GROWING FIELD OF INTEREST FOR DISTANCE TEACHING IN NEW ZEALAND |
| Author: | J. Kidd |
| Keywords: | extramural teaching, distance teaching, people-plant interactions, horticulture and human well-being, horticultural therapy, social and therapeutic horticulture, human issues in horticulture |
| Abstract:
A field of increasing interest in New Zealand is horticultural therapy (HT) and the broader topic of horticulture as it relates to quality of life and human well-being. In response to this trend, Massey University launched an introductory distance teaching course in 2001 entitled Horticulture and Human Well-being. This undergraduate course was targeted at non-horticultural students who had plant experience or knowledge along with an interest in using horticulture and gardens as a means to enhance life quality and personal well-being. Using a holistic view of well-being, the four main focus areas of the course are: 1) human connections to plant environments, 2) gardens and gardening, 3) horticulture as therapy, and 4) outdoor and indoor therapeutic plant environments. The first year enrollment far exceeded expectations and subsequent years have produced above average numbers. Of the total number of students over three years, 65% were non-horticultural students from a wide range of disciplines including education, psychology, social work, health sciences, and business studies. Spin-offs from the course include the introduction of a companion course offering for 2004, a funding grant to establish a network and web site of people-plant projects and designated therapeutic gardens around New Zealand, and expanded linkages with professional horticultural associations, local garden societies, and national plant and land-based conferences. Finally, new linkages have been forged with professional organizations beyond traditional horticultural ties to areas such as social work, vocational support services, disability groups, and education. | |
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