Ria van Zeeland has a dream.
A dream that one day horticulture therapy (HT) will be acknowledged by Canada’s health-care system.
“It’s so healthy and it’s complimentary to the health-care system,” says van Zeeland, a licensed practical nurse (LPN) who has taken a course in HT.
Through plants, horticulture activities and garden landscapes, HT promotes human well-being, she says, noting research shows nature plays a prominent role in both caring and healing.
“HT fosters health and wellness in a variety of ways to improve physical fitness, stimulate the senses, reduce anxiety, enhance self-esteem, and encourage independence,” says van Zeeland.
Born in the Netherlands, van Zeeland moved to Canada in January of 1997.
Back home, the use of HT is more widespread as are care farms – farms that work with health and social care agencies to improve the well-being of those who face physical, social, or mental challenges or barriers at some point in their lives.
“I would love to see it here...,” said van Zeeland, asking who wouldn’t rather be outside with nature than confined inside. “It is such a success in Europe.”
In 2009, van Zeeland visited Providence Farm, a non-profit care farm in Duncan B.C., where she volunteered for two weeks.
Providence Farm’s website reads: “A single guiding principle underlies our success – that caring for the land together is by nature healing and therapeutic.”
Here, van Zeeland worked alongside participants in the farm’s programs including the seniors garden, nursery, greenhouse, kitchen, music and arts program, the farm store as well as the farmer’s market.
For van Zeeland witnessing the philosophy of HT at work was an eye-opening experience.
“It gives people hope, to see something grow from a seed – to see that life,” she said. “It’s a program to help people get back into society... It’s great because they have a purpose, a routine and can be outside. They have responsibilities and especially a chance to contribute to society.”
Currently, van Zeeland is moving towards running her own care farm from her small acreage in Salmon Arm. She is working on additions to her home and hopes to have respite care, guided by the philosophy of HT, up-and-running by September with the ultimate goal to have a full-day program in place.
“Today’s health-care system, the government wants people to stay home longer and longer, and there are long waits to get into elderly homes,” she said. “It’s hard on families and for those who need a break – I will take care of this person.”
She says she would help organize activities for those who visit Ackerview Guesthouse, but that the activities aren’t necessarily what’s important.
“It’s not about the work that’s done it’s about being outside and being with nature,” she said, adding not everyone can work outside. Simply being outside with nature is enough.
Vancouver Island and Vancouver currently offer training in HT in B.C., but they have yet to be offered in the Okanagan, says van Zeeland, noting there’s the potential to have these programs offered in the Interior if there is the demand.
“I find HT very healing,” she said. “It promotes self esteem and connects people with nature. It’s about social interaction and being outside.”
For more information, contact Ria van Zeeland at 250-833-0445 or email riavan@sunwave.net.