October 2019: Including horticulture programmes in prison shows a positive effect on prisoner’s mental health. The study highlights that engaging with plants as part of rehabilitation and community service may lower the risk of recidivism and support a successful transition into society.
Information
There is a growing body of literature highlighting the positive effects of gardening on mental health. A new study explored the effects of horticulture programmes in prisons and offender’s successful re-entry into society. The study concludes a reduced probability of recidivism in the UK and US when prisons offered horticulture programmes as a means of education and vocational rehabilitation. Horticulture programmes has the highest performance in comparison to other rehabilitation programmes and prisoners reported an improved sense of purpose and pride when engaging with horticulture programmes.
Implications & Opportunities
The study contributes to a growing understanding that engaging with plants, specifically, or nature, more generally, can redirect behaviour and have a positive impact on people’s lives; thus, having the potential to benefit society. Including horticulture programmes in prisons may contribute to a successful transition of prisoners back into society and lower risks of recidivism, which in turn would reduce the financial burden of prison systems on public spending.
Limitations
The study is a first of its kind exploring mental health and horticulture in a prison context; thus, further research will be required to ensure the results’ validity and replicability.
Sources
Holmes, M., Waliczek, T. (2019). The Effect of Horticultural Community Service Programs on Recidivism. HortTechnology, 2019; 29 (4): 490 DOI: 10.21273/HORTTECH04282-19
The Guardian. (2019). ‘Gardening helps our mental health. They should do more of it in jail’. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/society/2019/aug/27/prison-garden-inmates-mental-health-hmp-parc-royal-horticultural-society
