Research on natural landscapes, such as woodlands and parks, suggests that certain aspects of the environment can cause distress. Simply being exposed to natural landscapes can have beneficial effects and promote well-being.[1] However, for gardens to be considered “healing gardens” or “therapeutic gardens,” they must meet certain criteria that promote a sense of well-being.[2]
Accessibility
This means that the garden’s location must be easy to find and accessible to people of varying abilities. A perfectly designed therapeutic garden is useless if no one knows it exists or can access it.[3]
Orientation
The term “wayfinding” refers to the ability to navigate an environment, knowing where to go and how to get there.[5] Kevin Lynch explained that disorientation, which can cause anxiety and even terror, is directly linked to our sense of balance and well-being. In other words, being lost or not knowing where you are going can disrupt our mental and physical balance.[6] This concept also aligns with the theories of Kaplan and Ulrich, who suggest that our preference for certain environments (e.g., landscapes or spaces) is influenced by our ability to easily orient ourselves and feel safe in those places.
Promoting Serenity
The third important quality for the design of a therapeutic garden is promoting serenity. The garden should offer a peaceful and calm space for relaxation and stress reduction. Stigsdotter and Grahn (2003) recommend creating a serene space that is peaceful, quiet, and welcoming. That is, it should be sheltered from daily worries and demands, so that people consider the garden a space to escape daily troubles and relax to relieve stress.[7]
Variety of Plantings[8]
This involves incorporating multisensory plantings that activate different senses through colors, scents, textures, and edible plants. Colors such as blue and green, or symmetrical flowers, are associated with reduced anxiety.[9] Greater plant biodiversity also improves the perception of restoration. Furthermore, certain scents, due to their connection with the limbic system, can positively influence mood and reduce stress.[10]
Spatial Organization
It is essential to create distinct “rooms” within the garden using natural elements such as trees, climbing plants, and tall grasses. An effective therapeutic garden should offer a safe and protective environment, with diverse spaces for different experiences.[11] The environment should be adaptable to changes in mood and meet individual comfort needs. Finally, prospect-refuge theory suggests that gardens should offer a balance between visibility of the surroundings and a sense of security.[12]
Cultural Artifacts
A garden with cultural and historical significance can inspire fascination, which helps restore attention. Cultural elements can also strengthen people’s connection to the place.[13]
Elements such as fountains, views of nearby cultural artifacts, or sculptures can be used to foster this cultural connection.[14]
[1] Designing a wellbeing garden: a systematic review of design recommendations – Bethany Harriesa, Lauriane Suyin Chalmin-Puib,c, Birgitta Gaterslebena, Alistair Griffithsc and Eleanor Ratcliffea
[2] Designing a wellbeing garden: a systematic review of design recommendations – Bethany Harriesa, Lauriane Suyin Chalmin-Puib,c, Birgitta Gaterslebena, Alistair Griffithsc and Eleanor Ratcliffea
[3] Designing a wellbeing garden: a systematic review of design recommendations – Bethany Harriesa, Lauriane Suyin Chalmin-Puib,c, Birgitta Gaterslebena, Alistair Griffithsc and Eleanor Ratcliffea
[4] Designing a wellbeing garden: a systematic review of design recommendations – Bethany Harriesa, Lauriane Suyin Chalmin-Puib,c, Birgitta Gaterslebena, Alistair Griffithsc and Eleanor Ratcliffea
[5] Designing a wellbeing garden: a systematic review of design recommendations – Bethany Harriesa, Lauriane Suyin Chalmin-Puib,c, Birgitta Gaterslebena, Alistair Griffithsc and Eleanor Ratcliffea
[6] Designing a wellbeing garden: a systematic review of design recommendations – Bethany Harriesa, Lauriane Suyin Chalmin-Puib,c, Birgitta Gaterslebena, Alistair Griffithsc and Eleanor Ratcliffea
[7] Designing a wellbeing garden: a systematic review of design recommendations – Bethany Harriesa, Lauriane Suyin Chalmin-Puib,c, Birgitta Gaterslebena, Alistair Griffithsc and Eleanor Ratcliffea
[8] Designing a wellbeing garden: a systematic review of design recommendations – Bethany Harriesa, Lauriane Suyin Chalmin-Puib,c, Birgitta Gaterslebena, Alistair Griffithsc and Eleanor Ratcliffea
[9] Designing a wellbeing garden: a systematic review of design recommendations – Bethany Harriesa, Lauriane Suyin Chalmin-Puib,c, Birgitta Gaterslebena, Alistair Griffithsc and Eleanor Ratcliffea
[10] Designing a wellbeing garden: a systematic review of design recommendations – Bethany Harriesa, Lauriane Suyin Chalmin-Puib,c, Birgitta Gaterslebena, Alistair Griffithsc and Eleanor Ratcliffea
[11] Designing a wellbeing garden: a systematic review of design recommendations – Bethany Harriesa, Lauriane Suyin Chalmin-Puib,c, Birgitta Gaterslebena, Alistair Griffithsc and Eleanor Ratcliffea
[12] Designing a wellbeing garden: a systematic review of design recommendations – Bethany Harriesa, Lauriane Suyin Chalmin-Puib,c, Birgitta Gaterslebena, Alistair Griffithsc and Eleanor Ratcliffea
[13] Designing a wellbeing garden: a systematic review of design recommendations – Bethany Harriesa, Lauriane Suyin Chalmin-Puib,c, Birgitta Gaterslebena, Alistair Griffithsc and Eleanor Ratcliffea
[14] Designing a wellbeing garden: a systematic review of design recommendations – Bethany Harriesa, Lauriane Suyin Chalmin-Puib,c, Birgitta Gaterslebena, Alistair Griffithsc and Eleanor Ratcliffea