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Horticultural Therapy
Horticultural Therapy 100 Hours Certificate Course
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Learn About Horticultural Therapy
Horticultural Therapy Online Course
Our Horticultural Therapy Online Course focuses on therapists training to use horticultural activities as a tool for helping disadvantaged people.
- improving or maintaining muscle function, and other aspects of physical well-being
- psychological wellbeing (eg. helping elderly people stay active in their declining years, helping disabled people to have a sense of worth, providing an opportunity for social interaction, etc)
- providing people with impaired capabilities with an opportunity for employment (eg. In a sheltered workshop
- providing a pathway to rehabilitation; or perhaps providing an alternative lifestyle.
- developing practical skills
- developing social skills
- rehabilitation of physically or psychologically damaged individuals
Sometimes programs are developed with a group focus, and at other times they are tailored for the needs of an individual.
The therapist may work with a small group, or they may work one-on-one with individuals.
They often work closely with health care professionals or other service providers (eg. A physiotherapist may better understand the physical needs and limitations of an accident victim.
A horticultural therapist working with a physiotherapist can develop a program of horticultural activities for an individual, that is tailored to their needs and leads to effective rehabilitation.
The benefit of this “joint” approach may be that the patient can be prescribed a pathway to recovery that does not seem like exercise, and which the patient is more motivated to adhere to.
This course is accredited by ACCPH and allows you to join as a professional member after completion.
A horticultural therapist needs to be part horticulturist, part health care worker, part counsellor, and sometimes other things beyond these.
They can work in medical or health care institutions (eg. Hospitals, Homes for Elderly), community centres, special schools (eg. for people with disabilities), Sheltered Workshop, Prisons, or any other relevant situation.
Horticultural therapy is used for people with a wide range of cognitive, physical and social skills, including those people:
- Suffering from stroke
- Suffering from heart disease
- With sight impairment (the blind and the partially sighted)
- With dementia
- With learning disabilities
- With physical disabilities (including amputees)
- With underdeveloped social skills
- Chronically unemployed
- Disengaged teenagers
- In substance abuse recovery
- Recovering from illness
- Coming to terms with grief
- Adjusting after personal difficulties in their lives
- With terminal illness
- Rehabilitating after a period in hospital
- With physical restrictions – such as the elderly
- Children – in general.
Testimonial
“I feel honoured to take this course and am excited about starting the lessons.
Thanks again for your assistance”. Marie L – Certificate in Horticultural Therapy – Hong Kong
Course Information
Other Categories
Lessons
Lesson Structure:Horticultural Therapy BHT341
There are 9 lessons in this course:
1 Scope and Nature of Horticultural Therapy
- Why Horticultural Therapy?
- Who uses Horticultural Therapy?
- Where can we use Horticultural Therapy Programs?
- What are the Benefits of Using Horticultural Therapy
- General Benefits
- Physical Benefits
- Psychological Benefits
- What do you need to be a Horticultural Therapist?
- Typical Jobs or Career Paths
- Liability
2 Understanding Disabilities and Communicating with people with disabilities – Communication, Teaching and Counselling Skills
- The significance of communication skills to interacting with clients in a horticultural therapy situation
- What are Intellectual disabilities/ intellectually challenged/ learning?
- What are mental illnesses /mental health issues/ mental disorders?
- What is Communication?
- Effective Communication Skills
- Self-Awareness
- Self-Esteem
- Listening
- Teaching Skills
- Learning Principles – What is Learning?
- Teaching Strategies
- Teaching Models
- Recognising Learner’s Needs
- Writing a Program
- Counselling Skills
3 Risk Management – Hygiene for vulnerable people; what extra risks are to be considered in a therapy situation – chemical, physical
- Identifying potential risks to participants within a horticultural therapy program
- Developing risk minimisation procedures
- Risk Management for Vulnerable People
- Workplace Health and Safety Issues
- Identifying Hazards
- Assessing sites and operations for risk
- Conducting a Safety Audit
- Risk Control Methods
- Safety Precautions for a Horticultural Therapy Program
- Manual Lifting
- Rules for Using Tools
- Personal Protective Equipment
4 Accessibility and Activities for people with Mobility issues
- Determine solutions to improve accessibility for disabled people in horticultural situations
- Ensuring that horticultural therapy is offered in a way that is accessible to clients and their particular needs
- Help With Manual Tasks
- Examples of Adaptations in Tools and Equipment
- Physical Support
- Understanding Ergonomics
- Working with other Professionals
- Protective Gear
5 Enabling the Disabled – with restricted motor skills
- Modify horticultural practices to be suitable for disabled people
- Enabling Gardening Activities
- Gardening in Raised Beds
- Staged Therapies
- Horticultural Therapy for Mental Disorders
- Effectiveness of Horticultural Activities
6 Producing Things – Vegetables, Propagation, Fruit, Herbs
- The Garden – A Growing Place
- Planning the Crop
- What to Grow?
- Planning the Cropping Program
- Crop Rotation
- No-Dig Techniques
- Propagation
- Sowing and Transplanting Guide
- Transplanting Seedlings
- Crowns, Offsets and Tubers
- Cold Frames
- Fruit
- Herbs
- Propagating Herbs
- Culinary Herbs Directory
7 Growing in Containers -Vertical gardens, pots, Hydroponics
- Growing Plants in Containers
- Problems that can occur with Pots
- Growing Fruit Trees in a Container
- Growing Strawberries in Containers
- Growing Vegetables in Containers
- Vertical gardens
- Hydroponics
- A Simple Hydroponic System
8 Creating a Therapeutic Garden
- Learn to create gardens that are appropriate for horticultural therapy situations
- Creating a Therapeutic Garden
- Consulting with other Professionals
- Garden Retreats for Rest and Recuperation
- Sensory Gardens
- Some popular Plants for a therapeutic garden
- Landscape Principles
- Design Elements
- Plants to Avoid or to use under Certain Conditions
9 Generating Income
- Explore ways that horticultural therapy can become a partial or fully funded activity by generating income
- Working with Others
- Work Hours & Pay
- Sheltered Workshops
- Therapeutic Farms
- Small Business Opportunities for Disabled People
- Certification & Registration
Each lesson culminates in an assignment which is submitted to the school, marked by the school’s tutors and returned to you with any relevant suggestions, comments, and if necessary, extra reading.
Learning Goals
Learning Goals: Horticultural Therapy BHT341
- Describe the scope and nature of horticultural therapy.
- Discuss the application and significance of communication skills to interacting with clients in a horticultural therapy situation.
- Identify potential risks to participants within a horticultural therapy program; outline risk minimisation procedures.
- Determine solutions to improve accessibility and usability for disabled people in horticultural situations.
- Describe ways to modify horticultural practices to suit them to disabled people.
- Explain a variety of horticultural therapy solutions appropriate to people with restricted motor skills
- Describe a range of containerised gardening techniques suited to a horticultural therapy program
- To create gardens that are appropriate for horticultural therapy situations
- Explore ways that horticultural therapy can become a partial or fully funded activity by generating income
Practical (Set Tasks)
Examinations
Program Summary
More Information
Your learning experience with ADL will not only depend on the quality of the course, but also the quality of the person teaching it. This course is taught by Iona Lister and your course fee includes unlimited tutorial support throughout. Here are Iona’s credentials:
Iona Lister
Licentiate, Speech and Language Therapy, UK, Diploma in Advanced Counselling Skills.
Iona has been a clinician and manager of health services for fifteen years, and a trainer for UK-based medical charities, focusing on psychosocial issues, mental health disorders, and also the promotion of communication skills for people in helping roles. She tutors and facilitates groups via workshops and teleconferences, and now specialises in Sight Loss. As a freelance writer, she contributes regular feature articles for magazines, has written five published books, as well as published courses relating to personal development and counselling skills.
Iona has also written published books, courses and articles across a wide range of subjects, mostly in the areas of health, counselling, psychology, crafts and wildlife.
She has drawn experience from clinical and managerial experience within the NHS as well as medical and humanitarian subjects. She has been a regular feature writer and expert panel member of a national magazine for six years.
Books include: A Guide to Living with Alzheimer’s Disease (and associated dementias), The Psychology of Facial Disfigurement; a Guide for Health and Social Care Professionals, When a Medical Skin Condition Affects the Way you Look; A Guide to Managing Your Future, Facing Disfigurement with Confidence, Cross Stitch: A Guide to Creativity and Success for Beginners.
Courses written include: Mental Health and Social Work, Counselling Skills, Understanding and Responding to Substance Misuse, Journalling for Personal Development, Guided Imagery, Stress Management.
Current work includes: Tutor: Courses associated with Creative Writing, Counselling Skills, Psychology, Holistic Therapy, Certified Hypnotherapist and Hypnotension Practitioner.
Facilitator of Teleconference Groups: Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB)
Trainer (Skills for Seeing): Macular Society
Reviewer of Books/Information: Macmillan Cancer Support
Fundraiser: Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), Embroidery/Art Groups Facilitator, Board Member
Website Manager: The Strathcarron Project, Coordinator (Delaware & Tennessee) Human Writes
Extract from course notes
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF USING HORTICULTURAL THERAPY
There are many benefits to be gained from horticultural therapy. These benefits are both physical and psychological.
General Benefits
- People of any age can participate in horticultural therapy.
- The horticultural therapist can individualise the work they do with a person, according to their abilities, so activities in horticultural therapy should be accessible for all.
- For example, work areas can be made more accessible for people who have difficulties with their back or bending, so that they do not have to bend over work areas. Work areas can be lowered so people in wheelchairs can use them. They can also be lowered so that children can work on benches and so on.
- The location where horticultural therapy is carried out can also be individualised. For example, the area could be controlled so that children or vulnerable adults do not have access to dangerous plants or put plants in their mouths. Gardens can be made accessible for people with wheelchairs, mobility problems, sight difficulties and so on.
Physical Benefits
Horticultural therapy can help people to:
- Improve their fine motor skills. We have fine and gross motor skills Gross motor skills involve our larger muscle groups, such as when we dig, run or jump. Fine motor skills involve the use of our smaller bones and muscles, as we would in handling secateurs, sowing seeds, writing and so on.
- Increase muscular strength and muscle tone – being involved in gardening can help a person to increase their muscular strength. Even if they are not able to use some of their muscles, for example, if they are unable to use their legs, it can increase their muscle strength and tone in other areas, such as their arms, shoulders etc.
- Increase range of motion – Having to move around, dig, prune, sowing and so on can help increase the range of motion a person has.
- Improve coordination and balance – Being involved in gardening and horticultural therapy can help a person to improve their coordination and balance. Imagine digging, this requires the use of arms and legs, so requires a good range of coordination and balance. If a person cannot use their legs or arms, then the limbs that they do use will require increased strength and tone and also balance and coordination.
- Therefore, horticultural therapy can increase a person’s physical health.
Psychological Benefits
- Horticultural therapy also has psychological benefits:
- It can help increase a person’s self esteem. For example, a person who does not feel they are good at things, perhaps they have disabilities or learning disabilities, being able to be involved in gardening and horticulture, and do it well, can increase their self esteem.
- It can help increase their independence – It can help a person to learn new tasks, to work on their own, to learn more about plants and gardening. It can also help with their independence if they are able to transfer these skills to other environments and their own home. For example, growing plants and vegetables in their own home.
- It can also increase the observation skills a person uses. They have to become aware of how plants grow, how seeds should be planted and so on.
- Horticultural therapy can also allow a person to make choices. With some psychological conditions, such as some learning disabilities, a person may not have very much control over their own life, so being involved in horticultural therapy enables them to make choices and state their independence more than they have possibly in the past.
- Horticultural therapy can increase a person’s problem solving skills – when to plant certain crops, how, how deep, what type of soil, what do they do in less than ideal situations and so on? It can also help them to consider more about their own abilities. People can show great initiative. What if they find digging hard? Or planting seeds hard? The person and the horticultural therapist can look at ways in which they can become more involved, so aiding their problem solving skills also.
- It can also increase a person’s creativity, help them to think of how they do things, how they plant a garden, where is the best place to plant a particular flower, what would look best and so on.
- Gardening and horticulture can also be a place where a person can let out their emotions or stress or anger.Exercise can be a good release of anger and emotion and there is obviously exercise involved in gardening. Also, thinking about the plants and soil and what you are doing can be a good distraction from a stressful situation.
- Horticultural therapy can also have social benefits, allowing the person to interact socially with others, which can also increase their self esteem, social skills and speech and language skills.
- By showing a commitment to living things, a person is taking responsibility for that work, that garden and also to working with others as part of a team or group.
- It can also help a person to deal with success and failure. A person may have many filatures in their life, but gardening can help them to find ways to overcome failures. Because a plant does not flower one year or a vegetable crop does not grow as well as planned, this can be used to help the person to look at what they did (problem solving again) and how things could be improved. Was it the wrong soil? The wrong location? Was the weather too cold for the plants to survive? What could they do about that?
- It enables a person to commune with nature and to feel the benefits of doing so.
- It also allows the person to be inspired by others, to learn more about nature and their environment.
EBook to compliment this Course
Organic Gardening EBook
Written for students and keen home gardeners, this colourful ebook is packed with guides and information on how best to take advantage of the organic growing revolution for your plants and garden.
Organic Gardening
by John Mason
Organic Gardening eBook course online. For decades farmers have relied upon chemicals to control pests and diseases in order to produce saleable crops. In the ornamental, vegetable and fruit gardens, reliance on chemical controls have been the mainstay for many gardeners.
Unfortunately it is only recently that we have become aware that many of these chemicals are dangerous to humans, let alone the environment. Natural gardening has however increased in popularity in recent years due to the conscious awareness of safety in the garden, the protection of the environment, plus the desire to produce uncontaminated crops that are healthy to eat.
Contents
Chapter 1 Introduction (covering the nature and scope of organic gardening)
Chapter 2 Soils and Nutrition
Chapter 3 Pests and Diseases
Chapter 4 Natural Weed Control
Chapter 5 Conservation and Recycling
Chapter 6 Growing Vegetables Naturally
Chapter 7 Growing Fruits, Nuts and Berries the natural way
Chapter 8 Growing Herbs Naturally
Chapter 9 Growing Flowers Naturally
Chapter 10 Growing Trees and Shrubs Naturally
Appendix
Assessment
Assessment is based on a combination of completing all assignments and sitting for a final short one and a half hour exam, in your own location.
If you don’t cope well with exams then you may elect to undertake a project instead. This is a popular option.
In addition, most modules have a Set Task at the end of each lesson placed before the assignment. This is an opportunity to undertake practical work to help you acquire knowledge and skills and practical experience. This ADL feature is an added bonus not found at most online schools. Set Tasks are not required for assessment.
Some courses also have optional Self-Tests which are available on our online learning platform. These are not available by correspondence or by USB, and do not form part of your overall grade.
How our courses work
- Choose Your Learning Method
You choose how you would like to receive your course material, i.e., Online, USB or Correspondence. The choice is yours. You may also work on online or offline. - Tutor Allocation
Every student is assigned their own dedicated tutor who is an expert in their subject area. They provide as much or as little individual contact as you require. You can contact your tutor whenever you need – your hours are not limited. - Feedback and Assignments
Tutor Feedback is an essential component in helping you understand the subject matter. Tutor feedback is given in the form of notes written on the assignment. We encourage you to contact your Tutor where help with clarification and understanding of course material may be required.
Your assignments are located at the end of each lesson. You submit them for marking whenever you are ready. There is no time limit. - Set Tasks and Self-Tests
Most modules have a Set Task at the end of each lesson before for the assignment. This is where you get the opportunity to undertake practical work to help you acquire knowledge, skills and practical experience. Many modules also have short Self-Tests. - Exams
Once all assignments have been completed you may then elect to sit for a one and half hour exam in your own location. If you prefer not to take the exam you do have the option to undertake a project instead.
Once the exam or project part of the course is completed, your Certificate is then processed. Please allow approximately 4 weeks for this. - Design Your Own Qualification
ADL offers students the flexibility to self-design their own qualification – bundling together a combination of 100-hour modules into a qualification higher than a certificate.
FAQ
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Here is a list of the most often asked FAQ’s.
General
Q. Why should I enrol with the Academy for Distance Learning?
A. Here at ADL, our students are our priority – we treat everyone as a unique individual.
Q. Do I need to buy text books?
A. No, as each module has been written by highly qualified industry professionals. The content of the material is presented in such a way that text books are not required. However, if you require additional reading your tutor will be able to supply a list.
Q. What happens if I have to stop studying for a while? (eg. become sick, go on holidays, have a baby, move house, etc)
A. It’s OK to take a break and start up your study at a later point in time. Just let us know.
Q. Is there an age limit?
A. There is no maximum age limit. We do however, have a minimum age limit of 18 years. Below that age parental consent would be required.
Q. Are your courses up-to date?
A. Our courses are revised and updated on a rotation system.
Q. Do you have a Cancellation policy?
A. Yes. We have a cancellation policy that is fair and equitable. For further details please click here.
Q. Will I have any opportunity to engage with other students?
A. We have a Student Community group based on facebook! If you don’t have a facebook account already, you could make one just for talking with fellow students on the group.
Enrolment
Q. When can I enrol/start?
A. You may enrol and start at any time of the year – it’s all self- paced.
Q. Can I study from anywhere in the world?
A. Our courses are available to anyone, anywhere in the world from the comfort of your own home. The course content is relevant to any country, culture or economy.
Q. How long do I have to complete the course?
A. You complete the course at any time that is convenient for you.
Q. Completing a 100 hour module – how long will it take?
A. For some students a 100 hour module will take approximately to 3- 6 months to complete. Others take less time and some even longer.
Assessment
Q. Assessment – how does it work?
A. For each 100 hour module you are assessed by assignments (at the end of each lesson) and a final one and a half hour exam (or you may elect to complete a Project, instead of sitting the exam) – the choice is yours – you sit for the exam in your own location.
Q. I don’t cope well with exams – what can I do?
A. You may elect to undertake a Project (set by your tutor) instead of sitting the exam. Projects are completed from your home and can usually take a couple of weeks to complete.
Q. If my assignment is not up to standard is there an opportunity to resubmit my work?
A. Yes –
Q. How many assignments do I need to complete for each module?
A. At the end of each lesson, there is an assignment – so if a course has say, 10 lessons, there would be 10 assignments.
Q. I am having difficulty attending workshops/industry meetings, what can be done?
A. If your course requires attendance at workshops, conferences, or industry meetings; alternative arrangements can be made in your country.
Qualifications
Q. What qualification will I receive?
A. For individual modules, you would be awarded a Certificate endorsed by TQUK (Training Qualifications, UK), providing you complete all assignments and the exam. If you just want to complete only the assignments and not sit for the exam or finish a Project, then a Letter of Achievement would be awarded. For more details on qualifications available please click here.
Q. Can I customize my diploma/higher qualification?
A. Not all educational institution’s certificates /diplomas meet everyone’s needs. The opportunity to Design Your Own Diploma at the Academy (subject to our approval) is an added bonus, not found at other colleges. You choose modules that you think will help you in achieving your goal.
Q. What do I get when I complete the course? Will I receive a transcript?
A. At the completion of all courses and providing all assignments and exam requirements have been met, you will receive your Award and a Transcript.
Tutors
Q. Our tutors – who are they?
A. We appoint Tutors and require that they must be currently active in their industry, with at least 5 years’ experience in their chosen profession.
Q. Can I contact my tutor at any time?
A. Yes – you have unlimited access to your tutor via email through our Online Classroom. You can always leave a message with ADL requesting your tutor to contact you. You decide on how much or how little contact you wish to have.
Q. Practical work – How is this done?
A. To find out more about this part of the course please visit the section on How Our Courses Work here.
Career Options
What's Included
What your tuition fees include
- All Course Material via Online, USB or Correspondence
- Assignments Marked
- Professional Tutor Feedback
- Set Tasks - Practical Exercises to help you develop skills
- Self-Tests – multiple choice questions at the end of lessons in most modules
- Unlimited Personal Tutor Support – via our student classroom
- Committed and Friendly Admin Support – vital to your success
- All ADL Exam or Project fees (exception RHS exams)
- Qualification Certificate
- Official Transcript with assignment grades
- Student Manual
Plus FREE
- Academic Writing course (optional - 10 hours only)
- Critical Thinking course (optional - 10 hours only)
- Job Seekers Careers Guide
- Study Tips on How To Study Better
- Career Counselling by ADL Staff
- CV Writing Help, Tips and Advice
There are no hidden extras
Career Opportunities
FAQ - RHS Theory Qualifications
GENERAL
If you require further details about any of the RHS industry recognised qualifications please, call one of our friendly RHS Course Advisors on +44 (0)1227 789 649 or email: [email protected]
Q: When can I Enrol/Start My RHS Course With ADL?
A: Anytime, Anywhere. There are no enrolment deadlines.
Q: I live Overseas. Can I Study From Overseas?
A: You can study any of the RHS theory qualifications overseas. All courses are offered in English. You will need to email RHS Qualifications direct to arrange sitting for your examination overseas.
Q: Is There a Time Limit for Completing an RHS Qualification?
A: At present there are no time limits. However, RHS is contemplating in the future, the introduction of course time-lines.
Q: Are There Any Entry Requirements (Pre-Requisites)?
A: The RHS Theory courses do not require prerequisites, previous experience or any knowledge of horticulture. You just need passion for all things horticulture.
Q: What Course Should I Start With First? I Am New To RHS Qualifications.
A: We highly recommend that you start with Level 2 – Principles of Garden Planning, Establishment and Maintenance.
Q: What Does ADL Course Material Include?
A: Includes Power Point Presentations, Videos and written course lessons.
RHS EXAMS
Q: When Do Exams Take Place?
A: Exams are held on fixed dates in February and June of each year. You should register as a candidate at least 3 months before these dates, so please do not leave exam registration to the last minute
Q: Where Do I Take My Exams?
A: UK: You take the exams at the RHS Wisley Centre, located between Cobham and Ripley in Surrey or at other authorised RHS centres around the UK.
Overseas: please email RHS qualifications direct for centre information.
Q: Exam Pass Marks?
A: Module – pass 50%. Commendation 70%.
Qualification: 50% pass for all modules.
Commendation awarded for all modules.
Each question carries a value of 10 marks.
Q: I’m Not Happy With My Exam Results?
A: You have the opportunity to re-sit your exam at the next opportunity.
There are no restrictions on the number of re-sits you can take. The highest mark you achieve will remain.,