For several years, the social and therapeutic horticulture (STH) movement has been considering its own gradual professionalisation, as a way of raising its profile and ensuring standards of training and practice. A survey of 119 STH practitioners showed that the vast majority of respondents wanted a national body and the registration of projects and/or practitioners; over half wanted a protected job title; and there was a wish for more research-based evidence. The implications of this survey for the STH movement are discussed and issues of potential interest for occupational therapists are highlighted.
BeckerSBrymanASempikJ (2006) Defining ‘quality’ in social policy research, perceptions and a framework for discussion. Lavenham: Social Policy Association.
2.
ForsythKKielhofnerG (2006) The model of human occupation: integrating theory into practice and practice into theory. In: DuncanEAS, ed. Foundations for practice in occupational therapy. Edinburgh: Elsevier, 69–107.
3.
FrumkinH (2004) White coats, green plants: clinical epidemiology meets horticulture. Acta Horticulturae, 639, 15–25.
4.
MolineuxMWhitefordG (2006) Occupational science: genesis, evolution and future contribution. In: DuncanEAS, ed. Foundations for practice in occupational therapy. Edinburgh: Elsevier, 297–312.
5.
Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (2004) Mental health and social exclusion — Social Exclusion Unit Report. London: ODPM.
6.
SempikJSpurgeonT (2006) Lessons learnt — Evidence from practice: The use of plants and horticulture in promoting health and well-being. In: Proceedings of the 6th International Congress on Education in Botanic Gardens. Richmond/Oxford: Botanic Gardens Conservation International in association with University of Oxford Botanic Garden.
7.
SempikJAldridgeJBeckerS (2003) Social and therapeutic horticulture: evidence and messages from research. Reading/Loughborough: Thrive and Centre for Child and Family Research.
8.
SempikJAldridgeJBeckerS (2005) Health, well-being and social inclusion: therapeutic horticulture in the UK. Bristol: The Policy Press.
9.
SpurgeonT (1999) Growing up: towards a new profession. Growthpoint, April, 16–17.
WilcockAA (2001) Occupation for health, Volume 1: A journey from self health to prescription. London: British Association and College of Occupational Therapists.
