RESEARCH

Therapeutic Gardens: Historical Context, Foundations, and Landscaping

This paper explores the historical evolution, theoretical foundations, key concepts, and design principles of therapeutic gardens, highlighting their long-recognized role in promoting well-being.

Program Types: Therapeutic

Population Groups: General Population

Setting or Context: Hospitals/Clinics, Community Gardens

Health and Wellness Outcomes: Improved Mental Health, Enhanced Emotional Well-being, Improved Stress Management, Improved Cognitive Function, Improved Physical Health, Increased Social Engagement & Skills, Community Building

Allied Profession Intersections: Landscape Design

Type of Activity: Outdoor Gardening, Meal/Diet-Based Activities, Forest/Natural Area Immersion, Mindfulness/Visualizations

Evidence Type: Peer-Reviewed Studies, Meta-Analyses/Systematic Reviews

Measurement and Evaluation: Program Effectiveness

Access: Free

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Summary

This paper explores the therapeutic role of gardens, encompassing their historical progression, theoretical underpinnings, key concepts, advantages, applications, and design principles. It begins by highlighting the long-standing recognition of the therapeutic attributes of plants, tracing back to ancient civilizations and their use of gardens for healing and well-being. The study examines how this concept evolved through the Middle Ages with cloister gardens, waned during the Renaissance, and resurfaced in the 18th century with the integration of gardens into hospital settings, ultimately underscoring the need to reinstate therapeutic gardens as essential adjuncts for healing patients.

It continues by investigating the scientific evidence that has driven a resurgence of interest in therapeutic gardens, focusing on research that demonstrates the health benefits of exposure to nature, such as stress reduction, improved mood, and enhanced immunity. It also discusses the importance of therapeutic garden design in contemporary urban landscapes, emphasizing the need for a multidisciplinary approach rooted in evidence-based design principles that prioritize user needs. While specific definitions of form and function remain adaptable, the study highlights the therapeutic garden as a valuable space that promotes physical, psychological, cognitive, and social well-being through interaction with nature.