Horticultural Therapy and the Healing Power of Plants

<p><strong>Horticultural therapy</strong> is changing the way we think about health, healing, and well-being. In this episode of <em>Hosta la Vista</em>, hosts Betsy and Mandy talk with Chris VandenBosche, a Pittsburgh-area Master Gardener and registered horticultural therapist, about what horticultural therapy is, how practitioners are credentialed, and why working with plants can support people in many different stages of life.</p><p>They’re also joined by Alisa Bowe Lenhardt, a member of the recreational therapy team at Masonic Village outside Pittsburgh, who shares how her team uses plant-based activities to bring comfort, engagement, and connection to the people they serve. The conversation also touches on <em>Good Nature: The New Science of How Nature Improves Our Health</em> by Kathy Willis and Teepa Snow’s helpful dementia care resources for caregivers and families available on YouTube.</p><p>If you’re a gardener, caregiver, health professional, or simply curious about how horticultural therapy works, this episode offers practical insight and inspiration. For more information about horticultural therapy, or to find a registered horticultural therapist near you, visit <a href="https://www.ahta.org" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">ahta.org</a>. *trigger warning: discussions on suicide*</p><p>Brought to you by Green Hill Hostas In the Country Garden and Gifts. Hit the + sign to follow the pod and stay up to date on new episodes. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, and visit <a href="https://hostalavista.org" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">hostalavista.org</a>.</p><p><br></p>