Horticulture therapists launch campaign to harness a 'better connection' between young people and nature amid 'alarming trends' in youth health across the US

The American Horticulture Therapy Association (AHTA) is launching a campaign to get the younger generation outdoors, and tackle what it says are concerning trends in mental health, physical wellbeing, cognitive focus, and disconnection among young people.

The Growing Impact Campaign aims to raise awareness of the importance of horticulture therapy and will feature gardening programmes across the US that people can join. Via a three-part webinar series, viewers will hear about the scientific research on the wellness benefits of green therapy for young people, as well as the success of therapeutic gardens, school and community gardens, and mindful gardening practices.

'What we've seen as horticulture therapists is how the Covid-19 pandemic propelled us into an indoor-centric culture and reliance on technology. While that helped us stay connected during that time, nothing takes place of face-to-face human connection,' says Kelly Warnick, horticultural therapist and President-Elect of the AHTA. 'This campaign is trying to get youth outdoors again, as well as their families.'

Empowering young people through horticulture

'The webinar series is all about taking expertise and seeing it in action. There’s a gap between people hearing about these concerns and knowing what to do about them, so we’re trying to bridge that,' explains Kelly. 'It will increase awareness of how plants can help people and encourage better health,' she says. Webinar viewers will be able to ask industry experts questions and take part in interactive discussions.

Horticulture therapists have witnessed how constant digital engagement, fast-paced routines, indoor-based leisure and work, and climate unpredictability have caused a 'dramatic rise in anxiety, depression, physical health challenges, and social isolation.'

The AHTA Growing Impact Campaign hopes to tackle this head on by equipping young people with skills to reconnect with the outside world and those around them.

By prioritizing holistic health in young people through horticulture programmes that get people outdoors, caring for the best plants for mental health, and growing their own kitchen garden, horticulture therapists across the US are seeing improved wellbeing in younger people. This includes better focus and critical thinking, reduced stress, improved emotional regulation, increased socialization, and more physical activity.

This is all supported by the science of beneficial bacteria in the secrets of soil, how houseplants improve your microbiome, and results from research such as the 2020 study by Integrative Medicine Research, which found horticultural therapy programmes to 'significantly improve' the emotional intelligence, resilience, and self-efficacy of elementary school students.

The dates of each webinar will be confirmed in the first week of March, aligning with the AHTA's Green Career Week.

Kelly Warnick

Based in Chicago, Kelly Warnick, HTR, JD, is owner of Horticulture 4 Health, LLC. She delivers therapeutic horticulture sessions to many populations, including veterans, youth, older adults, and individuals with physical, developmental, cognitive, and sensory challenges. Kelly is an Adjunct Instructor at College of DuPage and serves as President-Elect for the American Horticultural Therapy Association. She is committed to writing, speaking, practicing, and teaching to foster the people-plant connection and further the impact of the horticultural therapy profession.

Ahead of the webinars, you can get started by introducing the younger members of your household to these mood-boosting ideas for gardeners in winter or the art of bonsai for mental health - you could even use this bonsai kit from Amazon to encourage a younger person to get into gardening.