Although there is growing interest among health and social care professionals in the social and therapeutic value of horticulture, there is little evidence that demonstrates the range of outcomes for vulnerable groups, including those with learning difficulties and mental health problems. Growing Together project, the first detailed study of horticulture and gardening projects across the UK. Drawing on the results of a survey of over 800 projects, and in-depth case studies and interviews with vulnerable adults who use horticulture and gardening as a form of therapy, the report: describes and discusses the benefits to vulnerable adults of attending gardening and horticulture projects, provides demographic information about the distribution of projects in the UK and participation in these projects by vulnerable adults, analyses the processes involved in promoting and achieving health and well being outcomes using gardening, horticulture and related activities, makes policy and practice recommendations in respect of how best to promote social inclusion using social and therapeutic horticulture.

Horticulture and gardening activity is used as a therapy in the UK for growing numbers of vulnerable people, including those with mental health problems, learning difficulties and other health and social problems. However, until now little published work has focused on how horticulture and gardening can help to promote social inclusion for these vulnerable groups. This guide looks at the ways in which social and therapeutic horticulture (STH) projects can help foster independence, build self esteem and confidence and provide training and employment opportunities for people with health or social problems. This guide will be useful for anyone thinking about setting up STH services for vulnerable groups or for those already providing STH support but who want to understand further the nature and extent of provision currently available in the UK. The Growing Together project is a partnership between Loughborough University and Thrive and has been funded by the Big Lottery Fund. This guide complements a research study, Health, well-being and social inclusion: Therapeutic horticulture in the UK, which is also available from The Policy Press.