Horticultural Therapy Association of Victoria Inc
The Horticultural Therapy Association of Victoria Inc (HTAV) is a nonprofit organisation established in July 1984 to promote horticultural therapy as a means of enhancing physical, emotional, and social well-being. It supports professionals and volunteers in developing therapeutic gardening programs and activities across Victoria, Australia.

Mission and activities

HTAV advocates for the integration of plant-based activities into therapeutic and rehabilitative settings, targeting diverse groups such as the elderly, individuals with disabilities, and those experiencing social disadvantage. Its mission centers on fostering community programs that improve quality of life through gardening[1][2].

The association provides guidance on designing accessible gardens, including sensory gardens and raised beds, to accommodate participants with limited mobility[3]. It publishes educational booklets outlining practical approaches to horticultural therapy, such as starting programs, creating sensory gardens, and constructing raised garden beds for accessibility[3][5].

Historical context

HTAV emerged during a period of growing recognition of horticultural therapy in Australia. By the late 1980s, Victoria hosted numerous horticultural therapy programs, including recreational gardening centers like Heinze Garden Centre for the Handicapped in Doncaster, which emphasized social participation and skill development[5]. Early programs focused on vocational training for individuals with developmental disabilities and rehabilitation for psychiatric clients[5].

HTAV collaborates with allied health professionals, educators, and community groups to advance research and training in therapeutic horticulture[4]. While Australia lacks a formal accreditation system for horticultural therapists, HTAV serves as a primary hub for knowledge-sharing and professional networking[4][5].

Publications and resources

The association has produced resources such as Starting a Horticultural Therapy Program, which details outdoor activity frameworks, and Sensory Gardens, offering design principles to engage the five senses through plant selection and landscape features[3]. These materials are tailored to support activity coordinators, therapists, and caregivers in implementing evidence-based horticultural interventions[1][3].

[1] https://www.horticulturaltherapy.com.au [2] https://www.acnc.gov.au/charity/charities/3cedd851-38af-e811-a961-000d3ad24182 [3] https://www.horticulturaltherapy.com.au/resources.htm [4] https://wilmotgardens.med.ufl.edu/2022/09/15/horticultural-therapy-worldwide/ [5] https://journals.ashs.org/view/journals/horttech/10/1/article-p18.pdf