World Therapeutic Horticulture Day celebrates the power of gardening for health
World Therapeutic Horticulture Day (WTHD) takes place this month on 18 May 2025. This inspiring global event will shine a light on the far-reaching ways in which therapeutic horticulture helps people improve their health and wellbeing across the globe.
Alongside the sector, Thrive, the gardening for health charity, is joining a day of awareness and celebration to highlight how therapeutic horticulture can help people improve their health.
With over 40 years’ experience in Social and Therapeutic Horticulture (STH), Thrive knows first-hand how gardening and time in nature brings a range of benefits to people’s health and wellbeing.
Thrive CEO Ben Thomas says: “We see the health benefits of gardening in our gardens every day. We are also pleased to support professionals to deliver Social and Therapeutic Horticulture. Together we enable thousands of people to transform their health.”
STH Practitioners use plants, gardens and nature to help people improve their physical, mental and social health. The many health benefits include stress and pain reduction, improved mood, physical activity and life satisfaction, as well as having a positive impact on the environment and in bringing communities together.
As people around the world seek ways to deal with mental ill-health, a stroke, dementia, muscular skeletal conditions and lung conditions, among other health concerns, STH provides a sustainable route to recovery, rehabilitation and overall wellbeing.
The benefits of this highly effective and cost-efficient proven model of care are recognised by GPs, occupational therapists, social prescribing workers, mental health workers and adult social care, making the practice a powerful ally in supporting health and care systems. World Therapeutic Horticulture Day provides an opportunity to raise awareness of STH’s role in health and social care systems across the world.
Those interested in Careers in STH can join Thrive’s webinars on Tuesday 10 June. With a wealth of knowledge on gardening for health in diverse settings, Thrive are experts at helping individuals and organisations use STH to help others. The charity will be exploring its range of STH training courses and how the learning can be used to launch a career in STH or support health, social care or educational professions. Discussion points include: the role of STH practitioners, different backgrounds and relevant education that supports people to transition into the role, and the value of volunteering and education in developing practice, with an opportunity to ask questions about developing your career.
Visit www.thrive.org.uk/world-therapeutic-horticulture-day to find out more about the STH, WTHD and the Careers in STH webinar.
Join this global movement by participating in local events, sharing stories using the hashtag #WTHD, and spreading awareness about the positive impacts of gardening and therapeutic horticulture on people’s health.