Theory Behind Therapeutic Gardening

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1 The Theory Behind Therapeutic Gardening

The Theory Behind Therapeutic Gardening

History

Using landscapes to help heal patients is not a new concept, but rather, a very old one. Therapeutic landscapes have been dated back to the Middle Ages in Europe. Hospitals were directly connected to monastaries where monks acted as doctors. Patient windows faced courtyards with views of plants and sunlight, as well as providing a place to walk and sit. Monastaries were also quiet places, fostering hope and comfort to patients.

After the Middle Ages, social change was occurring in Europe. Hospitals added landscaping to their plans, but only as a minor aspect to the overall design. Focus then was on the building itself, often having windows too high for people to see.

As the years went on, change occurred again. In the 17th and 18th centuries, modern medicine took a turn again. Focus on the quality of air and the environment became important once again. Mental patients were no longer being physically punished, but rather were allowed to garden and be outside in secure areas, full of plants and vegitation.

In the 20th century, advancements in building techniques and use of elevators in highrises were more common. The hospital again put landscaping aside as a minimal cost on their budget. Advances in modern medicine made less modern techniques obsolete.

After World War II, focus on war veterans and people suffering dementia was starting to take hold. Gardens were designed to help those who were victims of war, mental disease, and age.

As time has gone on, patient outcome has become more important that the fee-for-profit mentality. Therapeudic gardens are now becoming an integral part of many hospital facilities. Health care facilities are helping to speed the healing process while making the overall satisifaction of their patients higher with the use of therapeudic gardens.

Gardening Guidelines

There are many things to take into consideration when designing a therapeudic garden. The idea that by just seeing or smelling a plant will make an ill patient pyhsically better is misleading. The theory behind therapeudic gardening is to create an environment that evoke an emotion or cause a patient to make a connection with the space. Depending on the intended audience, a therapeudic, or 'Healing' garden should cater to the customer.

When designing a therapeudic garden, it is important to keep these suggestions in mind:

Use lush, colorful planting in variation that are interesting to reinforce the image of the garden

Use flowering plants over multiple seasons to represent the changing of seasons to provide a sense of circular rhythm throughout the year.

Use trees whose leaves moves easily, causing enjoyable noise, even in a slight breeze. Use trees to create patterns of light and shadow, color, and movement.

Use plants and other objects like bird houses and bird baths to attract birds and butterflies. Avoid using plants that attract large numbers of bees and other unwanted insects.

Use a variety of plant textures, forms and colors. Plant them in such a way that is appealing, while attracting attention

Add a water feature if the site allows.
- Moving water creates a soothing sound and can create a psychological screen that helps the restoration process.
- Still water can promote meditation and peacefulness.
  - Consider exposure to wind and competing noises when selecting locations for water features.

Create a buffer between public garden spaces and private offices or patient rooms bordering the garden.
- This does not mean to completely block out access from the outside environment*

Create meandering paths when possible
- This encourages strolling and reflection on elements in the garden.
- Meandering paths also creates an opportunity to create different views, as well as different textures and levels of shade.

Select paving surfaces that accommodate wheelchairs
- Make at least the main paths wide enough for patients in wheelchairs to pass one another
  - Five feet mininum.

Nighttime lighting allows the garden to be used or viewed after dark. Use low path lighting and low voltage landscape lighting so that light does not shine into patient rooms

Chairs and benches sitting at 90 degree angles allow for better social interaction. Vary the placement of seating so that not all seating is the same

Provide a variety of shelter and exposure so that the garden may be used in different seasons

Take advantage of natural views from the site.
- If there are no natural views, make your own!
  - Design a series of experiences and focal points that move through the space.