Reviews of published evidence
Effectiveness of social and therapeutic horticulture for reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Therapeutic horticulture has the potential to support existing treatments for anxiety and depression, significantly reducing symptoms over a programme of therapy. This is the conclusion from a systematic review, published by Wood et al 2025, that identified 17 studies reporting relevant data, although none of the studies were published in the UK. The publication of UK studies would help enable more wide-spread use of therapeutic horticulture in the UK.
What is the evidence for the impact of gardens and gardening on health and well-being: a model to guide healthcare strategy decision making on the use of gardening approaches and social prescription
Gardening improves mental wellbeing, increases physical activity and reduces social isolation, was the conclusion from a review of 77 publications on studies of gardening as an intervention, published by Howarth et al 2020
Health benefits of viewing nature through windows: A meta-analysis
A recent systematic literature review, published by Soga and Gaston 2025, found that viewing nature, such as gardens or roadside trees, through a window, improves mental wellbeing – be it at home or at work. Recovery from surgery was also speeded up by having views of nature.
