INTRODUCTORY COURSE IN THERAPEUTIC HORTICULTURE
INTRODUCTORY COURSE
TO HORTICULTURE
THERAPEUTIC
leads:
DR.SSA MARGHERITA VOLPINI
September 26 and 27, 2025
at spinarosa botanical garden
Frazione Fighetto 35
Borghetto di Borbera (AL)
PRESENTATION
What is Therapeutic Horticulture?
Therapeutic horticulture is a practice aimed at improving mood, relieving stress, promoting
relaxation, stimulating motor and cognitive skills, and improving people’s physical, mental, and
social well-being.
What tools does it use?
It uses activities related to gardening and plant cultivation. It is an approach that
combines contact with nature, manual labor and creativity.
To which practitioners is the training directed?
The course is aimed at all those who are professionally involved in mental and physical health and
people’s well-being. So: psychologists, educators, psychiatrists, physicians, teachers,
educators, gardeners, etc.
Which users can benefit from it?
This form of therapy can be particularly beneficial for people with disabilities, the elderly,
children, or as an adjuvant treatment in the case of more serious illnesses. It is used in settings
such as hospitals, nursing homes, schools, centers for people with disabilities and addictions. It can be
used in those contexts where connection with nature is needed as part of a
path of healing, personal growth or as a wellness activity.
In what sense is it therapeutic?
In serious contexts such as pathological addictions, neurological disorders, oncological diseases, etc.,
this practice adds to ongoing therapies by increasing their effectiveness or decreasing
their use as in the case of painkillers in oncological diseases. It can be used
as a main treatment tool, e.g., to increase skills and
propensity for socialization for users of nursing homes, children or the disabled. It can be
used in combination with antidepressant drugs and to lower their dosage because
it contributes to mood elevation.
PROGRAM
Sept. 26 from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
9:30- 1:30 p.m. theoretical part
Introduction to therapeutic horticulture
Accredited theories behind this practice
Components that make it an effective tool for improving the well-being of
person and caregiver.
What are the benefits
Methodology and procedure
13.30- 14-30 Lunch break
14. 30- 17.30 Practical part
Explore and experience the concept of biophilia and understand its therapeutic value.
Activities to bring out the innate connection with the natural environment through the senses.
Sept. 27 from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Theory
The psychophysical and cognitive characteristics of potential users.
Design elements for creating a space dedicated to therapeutic horticulture.
How and which plants to use to foster connection with nature based on needs,
types of programs, and different contexts.
1:30- 2:30 p.m. Lunch break
14. 30- 5:30 p.m. Practical part
Experimentation of activities according to the psychophysical characteristics of potential users
Designing and implementing a therapeutic green space
Participation fee: 100 €. To register, you must make a reservation and send by
transfer the deposit of 30 € to “Cultural Association “Spinarosa Botanical Garden,” no.
IBAN IT94I0538748710000003759844.
In case of rain, the course will be held indoors. Materials needed for the course are
provided by the organization.
It is possible to have a packed lunch, on your own, at the Spinarosa Botanical Garden.
Contact us if you need information about overnight accommodations in nearby facilities.
Some of them do a favorable price for this initiative.
The parking lot, which is marked, is a few minutes’ walk from the Botanical Garden
Spinarosa. Parking is not possible in front of the Garden entrance.
Information:
info@giardinospinarosa.it
cell phone: 347 8840017
Under the sponsorship of
CULTURAL ASSOCIATION ODV
“SPINAROSA BOTANICAL GARDEN”
c.f. 92035410064
RUNTS registration with D.D 1045 of 14/07/21
Frazione Fighetto 35, Borghetto di Borbera (AL)
phone: 347 8840017
e-mail info@giardinospinarosa.it
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