Horticultural therapy is a branch of recreational therapy. Rather than traditional medical or psychiatric treatment, the patient performs recreational activities to improve their mental and physical health. In the case of horticultural therapy gardening and planting are used as part of the healing process. Since time immemorial, nature has been an integral aspect of to cultural tradition. Scientists have coined the phrase "bophilia", meaning an innate affinity for nature and a sense of satisfaction from being surrounded by living things. As a result of biophilia, patients have been known to heal more effectively when they are surrounded by plants and living things. Being able to take care of a plant and see it grow, being able to see its strength and resilience, makes the patient feel as if they too will be able to heal and grow.
