The Therapeutic Horticulture Programme uses plants and nature related activities to maximise the benefits of a therapeutic garden. With growing interest in the benefits of therapeutic gardens and therapeutic horticulture, we have developed a series of workshops which are suitable for elderly groups, persons with dementia and other special needs. These programmes are led by trained guides and have been specially designed to:

• Promote low intensity exercise and improve motor skills
• Stimulate memory
• Encourage positive social interactions and connection with nature
• Promote mindfulness

The programmes include:

• Propagation of Edible Plants

  Plant propagation is the process of growing new plants from seeds, cuttings, bulbs or other plant parts. Try this method of obtaining healthy new plants from existing ones. The activity helps to stimulate memory, promote fine motor skills and encourage positive social interactions.

• Scent Bag Making

  Select a mix of scented herbs and make a scent bag for the home. This activity promotes medium and low intensity exercise, fine motor skills and encourages positive social and environmental connection.

• Leaf Collage

  Have fun painting flowers and leaves, and make a print of them on paper to create personalised art pieces. This activity promotes medium and low intensity exercise, fine motor skills and stimulates memory and environmental connection.

• Gardening (Pruning/ Watering/Weeding)

  Learn the basics of plant maintenance, such as weeding, pruning and watering of the plants within the Therapeutic Garden. This activity helps to promote medium and low intensity exercise, encourage positive social and environmental connection and promote fine motor skills.

• Growing of Edible Sprouts

  Grow your sprouts from vegetable seeds and consume them after a few days. The sprouts have high nutritional value, require low maintenance and do not require much sunlight. This activity helps to promote medium and low intensity exercise, promote mindfulness and stimulates memory.

• Flower & Leaf Pressing on Cards

  Create different card designs by pasting leaves on paper. This activity promotes medium and low intensity exercise, fine motor skills and stimulates memory.

Registration Process

The programme is being offered at the following parks. Take a look at our schedule for 2023 and indicate your interest via this form at least two weeks in advance. 

HortPark	Choa Chu Kang Park	Tiong Bahru Park	Bedok Reservoir Park	Pasir Ris Park	Punggol Waterway Park
14 Feb	13 Mar	16 Feb	21 Feb	25 Jan	26 Jan
25 Feb	10 Apr	16 Mar	21 Mar	22 Feb	23 Feb
14 Mar	15 May	20 Apr	25 Apr	22 Mar	23 Mar
25 Mar	12 Jun	18 May	23 May	26 Apr	27 Apr
11 Apr		15 Jun	27 Jun	24 May	25 May
22 Apr				28 Jun	22 Jun
9 May
27 May
13 Jun
24 Jun

What Our Participants Say

"Our monthly outing to HortPark is not just a walk in the park, but also provides a therapeutic environment of sensory stimulation. The variety of well-planned themed activities and recently added “Nature Therapy” uses healing power of nature and horticulture to lift the spirits of our elderly residents. Overall it was a fun and engaging experience and has contributed to improved well-being of our residents with dementia and touched our elderlies’ heart. We are grateful to HortPark as our synergistic partner as we continue to journey with them through activities and environments suited to best care for people with dementia." - Siti Arsat Snr Therapeutic Programme Executive at Apex Harmony Lodge, May 2018

"The therapeutic and horticulture garden is a senior-friendly and inspiring environment for our seniors. The programme planned for the seniors was relaxing and they were happy to have your staff and volunteers with them for their activity." - Chua Swee Kim Programme Assistant at NTUC HEALTH SilverACE (Whampoa), May 2018

 

Join us as a Therapeutic Programme Guide

Love sharing your knowledge and teaching hands-on activities in a cosy, outdoor environment? Join us as a guide to lead or even conduct the therapeutic horticulture programme!

You will be trained to learn how to better interact with the elderly and other participating groups, as well as facilitate various garden and plant-related activities. Training will also cover information on plants found in the therapeutic gardens and how to use the five senses in a garden setting to engage participants.

Guides can choose to volunteer at any of our therapeutic gardens.

To sign up as a guide, do ccontact us at https://www.nparks.gov.sg/feedback.