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Therapeutic Horticulture Programmes

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 one month 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 10 Jul   15 Jun  27 Jun  24 May 25 May 
 22 Apr  14 Aug 13 Jul  18 Jul   28 Jun  22 Jun
 9 May 11 Sep   10 Aug  22 Aug  19 Jul 20 Jul 
 27 May  9 Oct  14 Sep 20 Sep   23 Aug 24 Aug 
 13 Jun 20 Nov   12 Oct  17 Oct  19 Sep 21 Sep 
 24 Jun 11 Dec   9 Nov  21 Nov  18 Oct  19 Oct
 11 Jul    14 Dec  19 Dec  22 Nov  23 Nov
 8 Aug        20 Dec  21 Dec
 12 Sep          
 10 Oct          
 14 Nov          
 12 Dec          

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 contact us at https://www.nparks.gov.sg/feedback.

Last updated on 30 November 2023

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