Garden Design That Heals

Ideas that you can use for such gardens are Zen garden designs, pond and rock features. A great characteristic of Japanese gardens is that they planned in such a way that the ambience and surroundings emit tranquility. The amazing bonsai gardens of Japan are world famous.

Some of the famous Japanese Garden designs are Karesansui (Rock Garden), CHhaniwa (Tea Garden) and Chisen-shoyū-teien (Japanese Pond Garden).

The curative properties of plants and the restorative Zen effects of a living garden accommodates and embraces various living entities such as butterflies and birds.

Flowers and trees have always carried an aura of freshness with them; there is no wonder that they were used for therapeutic purposes long before humans realized their potential. The idea of healing garden brings the spiritual aspects of plants, water and landscaping. Big trees and water in ponds attract wildlife.  Chirping birds, flying butterflies, school of fish and croaking frogs speak volumes of life. Why wouldn’t it motivate a patient suffering from chronic disease or a tough surgery to live.

Today’s environment is totally different than the ones our Great Grandma and Grandpa grew with. Devoid of stress and strain, the planet was covered with forest and greenery. Simple living and moderate requirements were the keys to good health. Farms and green spaces provided nourishment and respite to simple people who grew their own food and resorted more to country living.

Healing landscapes are thus very essential in giving rest and relaxation to tired mind and body. Beautiful water features such as pond, sand, rocks, waterfall can be alluring and soothing. The sound of waterfall can drive one’s attention from worries and focus in present. Rock gardens, stones and pathways can be designed to offer peace and serene atmosphere.

In 1993, AHTA (American Horticultural Therapy Association) developed characteristics for therapeutic gardens based on best practices and existing garden designs. Such healing places should have ample of seating arrangements in shade. The flora palette should contain medicinal herbs, flowering trees and vegetative patches.

Therapeutic Garden Characteristics By Teresia Hazen, MED, HTR, QMHP