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Welcome to our guide on how to create a healing garden! Healing gardens, also known as therapeutic landscapes, are peaceful spaces that harness the power of nature to promote wellness and improve overall well-being. These gardens have a rich history, with influences from Japanese Zen gardens to Monet’s garden in France. Traditionally used in healthcare facilities, healing gardens offer a refuge for patients, families, and staff, allowing them to connect with nature and reap the benefits it provides.
Research has shown that spending time in a healing garden can have numerous positive effects on physical and mental health. The calming presence of nature reduces stress, lowers blood pressure, and uplifts mood. By creating your own healing garden at home, you can tailor it to address your specific health concerns and needs.
In this article, we will guide you through the process of designing and creating a healing garden that promotes wellness and rejuvenation. From choosing suitable plants to incorporating water features, we will cover all the essential elements that will help bring tranquility and healing into your outdoor space.
So let’s explore the world of healing gardens, and embark on a transformative journey towards creating your own oasis of serenity!
Key Takeaways:
- Healing gardens promote wellness and well-being by connecting with nature.
- These gardens have a long history and have been utilized in healthcare facilities.
- Research shows that spending time in a healing garden reduces stress and improves mental health.
- Restorative gardens offer passive activities, while enabling gardens involve active gardening.
- Consider designing your healing garden with hardscape features, water elements, seating areas, and suitable plants.
The Benefits of Healing Gardens in Healthcare Facilities
Healing gardens in healthcare facilities are specifically designed to promote health outcomes. These gardens provide a place of refuge and offer relief from symptoms, reduce stress, and improve overall wellbeing and hopefulness. They differ from therapeutic landscapes, which are designed to meet the specific needs of a particular patient population through active engagement. Healing gardens aim for passive involvement and provide benefits to a diverse population.
Studies show that spending time in these gardens can lead to better healing, reduced medication use, and shorter hospital stays for patients. It can also help alleviate mental strain for family members and healthcare staff. Incorporating healing gardens into healthcare facilities, including hospitals, hospices, and rehabilitation centers, has become a common practice.
“Healing gardens provide a place of respite and connection with nature, promoting stress reduction, relaxation, and improvement in wellbeing for patients, families, and healthcare staff.” – Dr. Emily Robinson, Director of Therapeutic Landscapes at Healing Horticulture
Benefits of Healing Gardens in Healthcare Facilities |
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1. Stress reduction |
2. Improvement in overall wellbeing |
3. Relief from symptoms |
4. Reduced medication use |
5. Shorter hospital stays |
6. Alleviation of mental strain |
Creating Your Own Healing Garden at Home
Creating a healing garden at home is a rewarding endeavor. To start, add a sitting area to your garden where you can relax and enjoy the space. Surround the sitting area with brightly colored plants and flowers to uplift your mood.
Plant hardy shrubs to ensure year-round interest and consider adding perennials like Tulipa tarda for a splash of color in the fall. Adding a bird bath or fountain can provide soothing sounds of water and attract wildlife. It’s important to choose plants suitable for your location’s hardiness zone to reduce maintenance.
Additionally, growing plants that evoke positive memories, such as herbs with therapeutic fragrances, can enhance the healing experience. Ornamental grasses can add movement and create a calming atmosphere. Avoid thorny and toxic plants and focus on insect- and disease-resistant varieties. Remember, creating a healing garden takes time, so enjoy the process and the benefits it brings to your physical and mental health.
FAQ
What is a healing garden?
A healing garden is a specially designed outdoor space that promotes physical and mental well-being through the connection with nature. It provides a refuge for patients, families, and staff in healthcare facilities.
What are the benefits of spending time in a healing garden?
Research has shown that spending time in a healing garden can reduce stress, lower blood pressure, improve mood, and contribute to better healing outcomes for patients. It can also alleviate mental strain for family members and healthcare staff.
How are healing gardens different from therapeutic landscapes?
Healing gardens are designed to provide passive involvement and benefits to a diverse population, while therapeutic landscapes are specifically designed to meet the specific needs of a particular patient population through active engagement.
Can I create a healing garden at home?
Yes, you can create a healing garden at home. Start by adding a sitting area surrounded by brightly colored plants and flowers. Consider adding elements like water features and wildlife attractors. Choose suitable plants for your location’s hardiness zone and focus on varieties that are insect- and disease-resistant.
How do healing gardens promote wellness?
Healing gardens promote wellness by providing a peaceful and rejuvenating space for individuals to connect with nature. This connection has been shown to reduce stress, improve mood, and contribute to better physical and mental health.
Source Links
- https://www.takingcharge.csh.umn.edu/what-are-healing-gardens
- https://extension.psu.edu/how-to-create-a-healing-garden
- https://aanmc.org/naturopathic-news/using-healing-gardens-to-cultivate-wellness/