RESEARCH
Horticultural Therapy: The ‘Healing Garden’ and Gardening in Rehabilitation Measures at Danderyd Hospital Rehabilitation Clinic, Sweden
Summary
A horticultural therapy program at Danderyd Hospital Rehabilitation Clinic, Sweden, supports patients with brain injuries and neurological conditions through structured gardening activities. The Healing Garden was designed to reduce stress, promote well-being, and enhance cognitive and motor function recovery. Patients engaged in viewing nature, interacting with gardens, and active gardening, which improved social participation, sensory stimulation, and pre-vocational skills.
The study highlights ergonomic gardening tools, adapted cultivation methods, and therapy techniques used to enhance mobility, coordination, and psychological healing. While qualitative benefits were evident, the study calls for further research on the long-term effectiveness of horticultural therapy in neurorehabilitation
