Plant Families - Unique Tool for HT/TH

MAHTN is thrilled to have Hilda M. Krus, HTR, Director of Horticultural Therapy at The Horticultural Society of New York, share her experience using plant families in her HT practice. 

“Part of our professional toolbox as therapeutic horticulture practitioners and HT’s is our own relationship with, knowledge of and love for plants. Over time, we accumulate insight into which plants are especially successful for our populations and why. We might build a collection of “sure-to-wow” plants, and we gain experience in making plants accessible for our clients. In my practice, I’ve often met individuals who have not previously had contact with plants. A way that I find very helpful in making the vast world of plants accessible is to highlight plant families and create categories of plant groups that are present in the gardens, or that I show during indoor sessions. By focusing on specific plants that all have common traits, and by drawing parallels to systems in our own lives (family systems, groups of friends, groups meeting based on purpose or shared interests…), the world of plants becomes relatable and might feel “manageable”…Observing plant families and recognizing what they have in common (including their pests), learning about groups and categories furthermore allows for mindfulness practices and encourages attentiveness to detail in the garden.”  Hilda Krus.