Gardening therapy helps children grow

Natasha, originally from Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, works as a therapist at a school in Vancouver, and sees horticulture as an essential tool in treating special needs and learning difficulties. “Planting a flower and waiting for it to bloom gives delayed satisfaction that makes the children feel like they’re part of something, as well as providing a stress-free, relaxing environment.”

Natasha predicts that, before long, children with special needs will be taught outdoors as often as in conventional classrooms. “We have an instinctive curiosity about the natural world, so using it as a form of therapy just makes sense. And seeing the smile it puts on children’s faces makes my day.”

'Gardening For Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders and Special Educational Needs’ by Natasha Etherington (Jessica Kingsley Publishers, £12.99), is available from Telegraph Books at £11.99 + £1.25 p&p. To order, call 0844 871 1515 or visit books.telegraph.co.uk. For more details, visit www.thrive.org.uk