Horticulture Cultivates Healing at 2010 Philadelphia Flower Show

Feb. 24, 2010 - PRLog -- PHILADELPHIA -- The beauty and diversity of the Philadelphia International Flower Show adds a healing dimension this year with an informative new exhibit showcasing the use of plants and flowers in therapeutic environments. Sponsored by the Mid-Atlantic Horticultural Therapy Network (MAHTN), Passport to Healing: Horticultural Therapy around the World is located in Hall B, Philadelphia Convention Center, in the Flower Show’s ‘Non-Academic Education’ section.  

Horticultural therapy is defined as the engagement of a participant in horticultural activities facilitated by a trained therapist to achieve treatment goals. Horticultural therapy programs are utilized by hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, programs for people with special needs, mental health programs, correctional facilities and social service agencies.

The Passport to Healing: Horticultural Therapy around the World exhibit will appeal to anyone interested in horticulture as a healing activity, as well as professionals in the medical and healthcare fields, retirement communities, senior centers, community groups, or caregivers. The display includes plants, adaptive tools and examples of horticultural projects that bring the healing benefits of nature and gardening to people with disabilities. A multimedia presentation demonstrates many current horticultural therapy programs from around the world.

“The MAHTN membership is thrilled to participate in this year’s Flower Show,” said Peg Schofield, HTR, director of horticulture for Cathedral Village in Philadelphia and president of MAHTN. “While enjoying the beauty and ingenuity of the many displays, it’s good to be aware that plants and accessible gardening activities can reduce stress, distract from pain, enhance fine motor skills, teach new abilities, increase self-esteem and much more.“

The 2010 Philadelphia International Flower Show takes place Feb. 28 to March 7, at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. For more information, please go to http://www.theflowershow.com.

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About the Mid-Atlantic Horticultural Therapy Network (MAHTN): MAHTN is a regional association of horticulture therapy professionals which promotes and supports the integration of horticulture-related activities into therapeutic and rehabilitative practices in hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, programs for people with special needs, mental health programs, correctional facilities, social service agencies and more. To learn more about MAHTN, visit us at http://www.mahtn.org.