Restorative Gardens
“Restorative gardens in various forms (meditation, contemplation, sanctuary, memory gardens, and labyrinths) are designed to address cognitive, emotional, and/or psychological aspects of mental health (Diehl, 2013) and promote the feeling of being away, fascination, and compatibility, which Kaplan identifies as key components of mental restoration (1995)” (Fleming, 2021).
Restorative gardens include: meditation, contemplative, sanctuary, memory and sensory gardens, labyrinths, cemeteries, war cenotaphs, quiet garden movement, and peace parks.
Restorative gardens include: meditation, contemplative, sanctuary, memory and sensory gardens, labyrinths, cemeteries, war cenotaphs, quiet garden movement, and peace parks.
> Key Organizations
> Books, journals & E-publications on therapeutic gardens
Ali, S.H. (2007). Peace parks: Conservation and conflict resolution. The MIT Press.
Burt, Virginia. (2021). Virginia Burt Designs, designer of healing gardens
Carman, J. (2021). Design for Generations. a landscape architecture firm specializing in the design and development of therapeutic gardens and landscapes.
Gerlach-Spriggs, N., Kaufman, R. & Warner, S.B. (1998). Restorative gardens. Yale University Press.
Kaplan, R., & Kaplan, S. (1989). The experience of nature: A psychological perspective. Cambridge University Press.
Kavasch, E.B. (2002). The medicine wheel garden: Creating sacred space for healing, celebration, and
tranquility. Bantam Books.
Mosko, M.H. (2003). Landscape as spirit: Creating a contemplative garden. Weatherhill.
Tidball, K.G. & Krasny, M.E. (Eds.). (2011). Greening in the red zone: Disaster, resilience and community
greening. Springer.
Burt, Virginia. (2021). Virginia Burt Designs, designer of healing gardens
Carman, J. (2021). Design for Generations. a landscape architecture firm specializing in the design and development of therapeutic gardens and landscapes.
Gerlach-Spriggs, N., Kaufman, R. & Warner, S.B. (1998). Restorative gardens. Yale University Press.
Kaplan, R., & Kaplan, S. (1989). The experience of nature: A psychological perspective. Cambridge University Press.
Kavasch, E.B. (2002). The medicine wheel garden: Creating sacred space for healing, celebration, and
tranquility. Bantam Books.
Mosko, M.H. (2003). Landscape as spirit: Creating a contemplative garden. Weatherhill.
Tidball, K.G. & Krasny, M.E. (Eds.). (2011). Greening in the red zone: Disaster, resilience and community
greening. Springer.
> RESEARCH & ARTICLES ON restorative GARDENS
Recently published selected research & articles:
Berg, M., Wenel-Vos, W., van Poppel, M., Kemper, H., van Mechelen, W. & Maas, J. (2015). Health benefits of green spaces in the living environment: A systematic review of epidemiological studies. Urban Forestry & Urban Greening 14(4):806-816.
Biglin, J. (2020). Embodied and sensory experiences of therapeutic space: Refugee place-making within an urban allotment. Health Place 62:102309.
Butterfield, A. & Martin, D. (2016). Affective sanctuaries: Understanding Maggie’s as therapeutic landscapes. Landscape Research 41(6):695-70.
Conniff, A. & Craig, T. (2016). A methodological approach to understanding the wellbeing and restorative benefits associated with greenspace. Urban Forestry & Urban Greening 19:103–09.
Cordoza, M., Ulrich, R.S., Manulik, B.J., Gardiner, S.K., Fitzpatrick, P.S., Hazen, T.M., Mirka, A. & Perkins, R.S. (2018). Impact of nurses taking daily work breaks in a hospital garden on burnout. Am J Crit Care 27(6):508-512.
Dahlkvist, E., Engström, M. & Nilsson, A. (2020). Residents' use and perceptions of residential care facility gardens: A behaviour mapping and conversation study. Int J Older People Nurs.15(1): e12283.
Diehl, L. (2013). A framework for categorizing healing gardens. AHTA News Magazine 41(2):4-6.
Doherty, R. (2020). How to design a restorative garden to lift your spirits. Homes & Gardens.
Engemann, K., Pedersen, C.B., Arge, L., Tsirogiannis, C., Mortensen, P.B. & Svenning, J.C. (2019). Residential green space in childhood is associated with lower risk of psychiatric disorders from adolescence into adulthood. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 116(11):5188-5193.
Erickson, M.S. (2012). Restorative garden design: Enhancing wellness through healing spaces. Iowa State University.
Fleming, L. (20xx). Horticulture for Health Framework. Acta Horticulturae (in press).
Forkner, L.E. (2021). Bloedel Reserve helps Strolls for Well-Bring participants discover the healing power of nature closer to home. Seattle Times.
Hussein, H., Abidin, N.M.N.Z. & Omar, Z. (2016). Sensory gardens: A multidisciplinary effort. Asian Journal of Behavioural Studies 1(1).
Hussein, H. (2020). Design of sensory gardens for children with disabilities in the context of the United Kingdom. In M. Khan, S. Bell & J. Woods (Eds.) Place, Pedogogy and Play: Participation, design and research with children. Routledge.
Kaiser Permanente. (2020). Forest bathing: What it is and why you should try it. Kaiser Permanente Thrive.
Lazarevic, E.V., Lazarevic, T. & Maric, J. (2020). The restorative effects of multi-sensory open space design – The example of Japanese gardens. 7th International Academic Conference. Places and Technologies 2020.
Meyer, W. (2007). Persistence of memory: Scent gardens for therapeutic life review in communities for the elderly. Thesis for Master of Landscape Architecture at the University of Texas at Arlington.
Perry, S. (2007). The importance of nature: The Wellness Garden Program at Glacier Hills Retirement Community. Michigan Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center Newsletter Spring: 4-7.
Spring, J.A. (2016). Design of evidence-based gardens and garden therapy for neurodisability in Scandinavia: Data from 14 sites. Neurodegener Dis Manag 6(2):87-98.
Therapeutic Garden Network. (2021). Quiet garden movement.
Twedt, E., Rainey, R.M. & Proffitt, D.R. (2016). Designed natural spaces: Informal gardens are perceived to be more restorative than formal gardens. Front Psychol. 11(7):88.
Wagenfeld, A. & Singley, K. (2016). Sensory gardens. The Field.
Berg, M., Wenel-Vos, W., van Poppel, M., Kemper, H., van Mechelen, W. & Maas, J. (2015). Health benefits of green spaces in the living environment: A systematic review of epidemiological studies. Urban Forestry & Urban Greening 14(4):806-816.
Biglin, J. (2020). Embodied and sensory experiences of therapeutic space: Refugee place-making within an urban allotment. Health Place 62:102309.
Butterfield, A. & Martin, D. (2016). Affective sanctuaries: Understanding Maggie’s as therapeutic landscapes. Landscape Research 41(6):695-70.
Conniff, A. & Craig, T. (2016). A methodological approach to understanding the wellbeing and restorative benefits associated with greenspace. Urban Forestry & Urban Greening 19:103–09.
Cordoza, M., Ulrich, R.S., Manulik, B.J., Gardiner, S.K., Fitzpatrick, P.S., Hazen, T.M., Mirka, A. & Perkins, R.S. (2018). Impact of nurses taking daily work breaks in a hospital garden on burnout. Am J Crit Care 27(6):508-512.
Dahlkvist, E., Engström, M. & Nilsson, A. (2020). Residents' use and perceptions of residential care facility gardens: A behaviour mapping and conversation study. Int J Older People Nurs.15(1): e12283.
Diehl, L. (2013). A framework for categorizing healing gardens. AHTA News Magazine 41(2):4-6.
Doherty, R. (2020). How to design a restorative garden to lift your spirits. Homes & Gardens.
Engemann, K., Pedersen, C.B., Arge, L., Tsirogiannis, C., Mortensen, P.B. & Svenning, J.C. (2019). Residential green space in childhood is associated with lower risk of psychiatric disorders from adolescence into adulthood. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 116(11):5188-5193.
Erickson, M.S. (2012). Restorative garden design: Enhancing wellness through healing spaces. Iowa State University.
Fleming, L. (20xx). Horticulture for Health Framework. Acta Horticulturae (in press).
Forkner, L.E. (2021). Bloedel Reserve helps Strolls for Well-Bring participants discover the healing power of nature closer to home. Seattle Times.
Hussein, H., Abidin, N.M.N.Z. & Omar, Z. (2016). Sensory gardens: A multidisciplinary effort. Asian Journal of Behavioural Studies 1(1).
Hussein, H. (2020). Design of sensory gardens for children with disabilities in the context of the United Kingdom. In M. Khan, S. Bell & J. Woods (Eds.) Place, Pedogogy and Play: Participation, design and research with children. Routledge.
Kaiser Permanente. (2020). Forest bathing: What it is and why you should try it. Kaiser Permanente Thrive.
Lazarevic, E.V., Lazarevic, T. & Maric, J. (2020). The restorative effects of multi-sensory open space design – The example of Japanese gardens. 7th International Academic Conference. Places and Technologies 2020.
Meyer, W. (2007). Persistence of memory: Scent gardens for therapeutic life review in communities for the elderly. Thesis for Master of Landscape Architecture at the University of Texas at Arlington.
Perry, S. (2007). The importance of nature: The Wellness Garden Program at Glacier Hills Retirement Community. Michigan Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center Newsletter Spring: 4-7.
Spring, J.A. (2016). Design of evidence-based gardens and garden therapy for neurodisability in Scandinavia: Data from 14 sites. Neurodegener Dis Manag 6(2):87-98.
Therapeutic Garden Network. (2021). Quiet garden movement.
Twedt, E., Rainey, R.M. & Proffitt, D.R. (2016). Designed natural spaces: Informal gardens are perceived to be more restorative than formal gardens. Front Psychol. 11(7):88.
Wagenfeld, A. & Singley, K. (2016). Sensory gardens. The Field.
> Examples of restorative gardens
Angel’s Garden at Virtua Hospital, Vorhees, NJ, is an outdoor sanctuary garden for parents who have lost a baby, a place to honor their short lives.
Bloedel Reserve at Bainbridge Island, Washington, Strolls for Well-Being program.
Chanticleer, A Pleasure Garden, Wayne, Pennsylvania.
Children’s Memorial Parks, in Tucson AZ, has several sites in Phoenix, AZ
Juravinski Cancer Centre indoor garden, embedded in a chemotherapy suite, provides garden views within the treatment facility with a 18,000 lb. boulder as a symbol of strength.
Portland Japanese Garden in Oregon
https://japanesegarden.org/
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-art-now/201712/the-japanese-garden-place-refuge
Ruby Pardue Blackburn Adult Day Health Care Center, Wilkesboro, NC memory care garden.
Schneider Healing Garden, adjacent to Seidman Cancer Center, Cleveland OH, offers respite from treatment, city noise, the hospital setting, and includes labyrinth, seating areas & night lighting
The Gift of Life Family House is used by transplant patients & their families, part of temporary lodging & supportive services.
The Tranquility Garden at McAuley Convent in Merion, PA provides a spiritual setting for elders & families as part of the retirement community for Sisters of Mercy
The Itabashi Japanese Garden in Burlington, Canada embodies commitment to mundialization (act of local authority declaring itself a world citizen, aware of global issues, sense of shared rights & responsibility), embodying cultural, recreational, social & spiritual goals
Bloedel Reserve at Bainbridge Island, Washington, Strolls for Well-Being program.
Chanticleer, A Pleasure Garden, Wayne, Pennsylvania.
Children’s Memorial Parks, in Tucson AZ, has several sites in Phoenix, AZ
Juravinski Cancer Centre indoor garden, embedded in a chemotherapy suite, provides garden views within the treatment facility with a 18,000 lb. boulder as a symbol of strength.
Portland Japanese Garden in Oregon
https://japanesegarden.org/
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-art-now/201712/the-japanese-garden-place-refuge
Ruby Pardue Blackburn Adult Day Health Care Center, Wilkesboro, NC memory care garden.
Schneider Healing Garden, adjacent to Seidman Cancer Center, Cleveland OH, offers respite from treatment, city noise, the hospital setting, and includes labyrinth, seating areas & night lighting
The Gift of Life Family House is used by transplant patients & their families, part of temporary lodging & supportive services.
The Tranquility Garden at McAuley Convent in Merion, PA provides a spiritual setting for elders & families as part of the retirement community for Sisters of Mercy
The Itabashi Japanese Garden in Burlington, Canada embodies commitment to mundialization (act of local authority declaring itself a world citizen, aware of global issues, sense of shared rights & responsibility), embodying cultural, recreational, social & spiritual goals
> Videos, webinars & websites on restorative garden
Healing Garden at Edward Hospital in Chicago, IL, is an example of healthcare gardens connecting with nature for use by all stakeholders
Nature Rx, humorous ad-spoof video series on the restorative benefits of engaging with nature.
Peace in the Park video examines the role parks & nature can play in health care of palliative care patients in a joint project with Mount Royal University, University of Alberta & Alberta Parks.
Portland Japanese Garden blog. (2020). A garden’s power to heal.
The Labyrinth- Community Cancer Center in Normal, IL.
Therapeutic and Healing Landscape Architecture, from landscape designer J. Craven, offers insights into design, history & characteristics of healing gardens.
The Powerful Prescription of Nature by Kaiser Permanente
Nature Rx, humorous ad-spoof video series on the restorative benefits of engaging with nature.
Peace in the Park video examines the role parks & nature can play in health care of palliative care patients in a joint project with Mount Royal University, University of Alberta & Alberta Parks.
Portland Japanese Garden blog. (2020). A garden’s power to heal.
The Labyrinth- Community Cancer Center in Normal, IL.
Therapeutic and Healing Landscape Architecture, from landscape designer J. Craven, offers insights into design, history & characteristics of healing gardens.
The Powerful Prescription of Nature by Kaiser Permanente
> Related organizations
Written & compiled by Lesley Fleming, Susan Morgan Nov 2021