THERAPEUTIC GARDENS DESIGNED FOR HOSPITALS

Having been a patient since childhood and a landscape designer, I have a unique approach to designing therapeutic gardens. Planning a hospital's landscaping takes empathy, creativity, and lots of plants. Luckily design professionals also have a set of therapeutic characteristics to guide each project including: wayfinding, plant materials, ADA accessibility, furniture, water features, and gathering areas. Together, the design elements create therapeutic gardens with the individual's needs in mind, along with being comfortably navigated by everyone.

Wayfinding is the first step in inviting people to the therapeutic garden. Help hospital staff, patients, and visitors find their way to the beneficial green space. Create awareness using highly visible signs, brochures, and arrows to welcome visitors into the garden.

Placemaking is an equally important guide that is used to help people comprehend where they are within the garden. A fountain or sculpture can be used as a meeting place that is benign and easily recognizable. In the Children’s Edible Garden (image to the left) the signs are large with unique characters that illustrate the purpose of each learning each station.

Sensory plants are the heart of every healing Therapeutic Garden. Take care to gather options that are non- toxic to humans and service animals. Each sensory plant is chosen for their ability to stimulate our five senses: Vision, Sound, Smell, Taste, and Touch. Pollinator plants that attract wildlife are also included for sensory enjoyment. Catching a glimpse of a butterfly, hummingbird, or chipmunk helps to reconnect a person to nature.

Including a variety of evergreen, deciduous, herbaceous perennials, oramental grasses, and vines is a perfect recipe for a landscape filled with year round interest. Each visitor will experience a rejuvenating interaction with nature as they explore the garden. Here are some of my favorite examples. (Images on the right)


Therapeutic gardens are usually added to already existing buildings. They may be designed near the entrance to a hospital, within a hospital courtyard, a re-designed rooftop garden, and in some cases, the gardens are specifically for inpatient rehabilitation. Many patient programs include working in the garden with a horticultural therapist.

Accessibility to the garden is best when each visitor (patients, staff, family, and friends) is able to easily navigate the natural garden spaces. ADA-approved hardscaping choices such as gentle ramps, railings, level pathways, and open hardscaped patios are the best option for public areas. Planters and raised beds designed to accommodate wheelchairs will create a space of inclusivity for each visitor's level of mobility.


An invitation to stay a while can be as simple as choosing the right kind of seating. Stationary and moveable seating options are important in order to include the needs of all visitors. Benches with arms and backs are physically supportive and useful for getting in and out of the seated position. Chairs can be rearranged to face into or away from the sun depending upon preference.

Pergolas covered with vines help offer shade in dry weather, while covered pergolas can be used for gatherings all year.

Water features offer a beautiful aesthetic and come in many shapes and sizes. The soothing sound of water is relaxing and can even help mitigate the sound of nearby conversations.

Introducing a familiar natural world to hospital settings will strengthen the overall level of care. Patients will find relief from stressful visits and painful medical treatment. Nursing staff will have a place to quietly meditate or take a walk before continuing their rounds. Imagine how each visitor will experience the therapeutic garden while designing a plans to include an area for group activities, physical therapy, privacy, and independent play.