Social Therapeutic Horticulture
The Warrah Biodynamic Farm, plant nursery and beautiful natural surroundings provide opportunities for Warrah’s students and participants to experience the therapeutic benefits of farming and gardening, through hands-on practical activities. Our bushland environment, sensory gardens and biodynamic farm are a great resources asset for the work we do and to the people we support.
What is Social Therapeutic Horticulture?
Social Therapeutic Horticulture is the process of working with people using horticultural activities.
Social therapeutic farming and gardening uses interaction with plants, gardens, and animals to enhance physical and mental wellbeing, strengthen communication and cognitive skills, and foster confidence and social inclusion.
It promotes the outdoors as a safe and secure place to develop the ability to mix socially, make friends and learn practical skills that will help with independence, empowerment and personal autonomy.
Through participation in our programs, our students and participants are engaged in meaningful activities, which develop a wide variety of transferable skills and provide social connections.
The following skills and capacities are being developed through Warrah’s Biodynamic farm and gardening programs:
Focus – special awareness, attention to detail and sequential processing
Teamwork – awareness, appreciation and collaboration with others
Work ethic – taking responsibility and owning the process
Confidence – self-belief and increased wellbeing
Empowerment – leadership and creativity
Autonomy – initiative and self-direction.
Social Therapeutic Horticulture Programs
Warrah’s Community Support Services offer a variety of Social Therapeutic Horticulture programs, including:
Nursery Skills
This program is responsible for all the propagation for Warrah Biodynamic Farm, from seed through to planting. In an average year, the nursery skills program produces over 150,000 organically certified seedlings for the farm and for selling to the public at our onsite Warrah Organic Farm Shop.
Farm Skills
This program involves hands-on engagement in farming activities to directly support the operation of the Warrah Biodynamic Farm. Tasks are varied and include planting, weeding, composting, harvesting, pruning, animal husbandry and general farm maintenance.
If you would like further information on the services and programs Warrah provides please contact us.
