Therapeutic gardens: historical context, foundations, and landscaping

Sillmann, Thais Akemi; Marques, Paula Oliveira; Mattiuz, Claudia Fabrino Machado

doi:10.1590/2447-536X.v30.e242740

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Article • Ornam. Hortic. 30 • 2024 • https://doi.org/10.1590/2447-536X.v30.e242740 copy

Therapeutic gardens: historical context, foundations, and landscaping

Jardins Terapêuticos: Contexto Histórico, Fundamentos e Paisagismo

Authorship SCIMAGO INSTITUTIONS RANKINGS

Abstract

The Therapeutic Garden can be conceptualized as a designated space engineered to engender benefits on physical, psychological, cognitive, and social well-being of its users, facilitated through either passive or active engagement with nature. This review explores the therapeutic function of gardens, encompassing their historical evolution, theoretical underpinnings, concepts, benefits, uses and design guidelines. The therapeutic attributes of plants have been acknowledged since antiquity, underpinning the belief that nature constitutes a primary agent in fostering well-being. This conviction gained traction during the Middle Ages, by the cloister gardens, which sought healing through a communion with nature. Nonetheless, this relationship waned during the Renaissance, only to resurface in the 18th century within the realm of hospital architecture, underscoring the necessity of reinstating therapeutic gardens as an indispensable adjunct for healing patients. In recent times, there has been a resurgence in the quest to reconnect with nature, driven by scientific research highlighting the myriad health benefits of nature exposure, that fundamental various theories such as the Supportive Gardens Theory, Restorative Gardens, and Healing Gardens. These pioneering studies have paved the way for further research exploring the psychological, physical, and social advantages of gardens. Designs for therapeutic gardens should prioritize user needs, drawing from a multidisciplinary approach rooted in evidence-based design principles. However, specific definitions regarding their form and function remain elusive, allowing for a diversity of activities and adaptability to cater to different users.

Keywords
healing garden; landscaping; restorative garden; sensory garden

User Group	Overall Recommendations
Children	Add trees and green vegetation.
	Design that brings familiarity to children (such as colorful, bright, child-scale structures).
	Components with water (especially those that make running sounds).
	Features that encourage participation in the environment and in interactive activities with other people.
	Varied and cozy furniture.
Cancer patients	Include ample vegetation, steering clear of plants with strong fragrances.
	Ensure comfortable seating arrangements.
	Give preference to shaded spots, and refrain from using reflective materials in sunny areas.
	Create secluded spaces for increased privacy.
	Minimize noise disturbances by incorporating gentle sounds.
Patients with mental illness in general	Enhanced engagement with nature.
	Multisensory experiences.
	Comfortable seating arrangements.
	Sun protection with shading and covers.
	Encouragement of movement and independence to explore.
	Variety of activities available.
Alzheimer	Integrate art installations and structures to act as landmarks and guides within the garden, designed to engage the sense of touch and promote exploration. These installations should utilize recognizable materials and, whenever possible, reflect the local culture.
Alzheimer	Incorporate familiar materials throughout the garden to trigger memory and facilitate communication.
Mental and physical disabilities	Provide gardening as a recreational pursuit, incorporating it into occupational therapy sessions.
	Educationally implement horticultural therapy and gardening.
	Customize tools and materials used in these activities as needed.
	Establish a serene, tranquil environment conducive to relaxation.
Hospital staff	Designate a private area exclusively for team use.
	Furnish the space with comfortable and inviting furniture.
	Ensure proximity to canteens and restroom facilities.
	Provide ample shading in the environment for added comfort.

Plant material	Overall Recommendations
Flowers	Incorporate a variety of colors and shapes to attract diverse insects and birds to the garden.
	Utilize warm colors like orange, yellow, and red to foster an inviting atmosphere, while cooler tones contribute to a serene environment.
	Integrate aromatic plants to enhance the sense of smell, while ensuring that strong fragrances are avoided for users with cancer.
Foliage	Using plants with different textures to promote the tactile experience and contribute to the experience of visually impaired users.
Grasses	They offer a rich visual effect when interacting with the wind, providing lightness, movement, and natural sounds in the garden.
Trees and shrubs	Establishing visual layers within the garden to encourage observation from various perspectives.
	Promoting a sense of privacy to transform the garden into a secluded and secure environment.
	Facilitating the creation of diverse gradients of shade and light throughout the garden.
	Enhancing biodiversity by attracting a greater variety of insects and birds.
Edible plants	They stimulate the senses.
Edible plants	Promote engagement with the garden.

Sociedade Brasileira de Floricultura e Plantas Ornamentais Av. Av. Peter Henry Rolfs, s/n, 36570-000 - Viçosa, Minas Gerais - Brasil, (32) 3379-4983, Tel: (32) 3379-4983 - Viçosa - MG - Brazil
E-mail: editor.ornamentalhorticulture@gmail.com

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[1] Conflict of Interest

The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper