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Restorative Gardens: A Historic Overview

As many of those who work in health care settings have learned, gardens offer a unique therapeutic resource. Nature can respond to the isolation and vulnerability experienced in times of crisis and can help nurture and restore a sense of balance to those in care and their caregivers. Nature is an agent of healing and restoration; this is the premise upon which therapeutic or restorative gardens are built.

Gardens have been a part of human settlements since the development of agriculture. The rich gardens of ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia are early examples of the importance placed on maintaining contact with nature within an urban environment. A major emergence of gardens used for restorative purposes and to promote healing occurred in Europe during the Middle Ages. Monasteries and hospitals ministered care to travelers, the poor, the sick and infirm, often building courtyards to provide a protected outdoor setting for recuperation and a place to produce food and healing plants.

The 17th and 18th centuries brought the reemergence of outdoor spaces for health care, with developments in scientific thought establishing new medical standards. The coinciding revival of pastoralism during the Romantic Movement promoted appreciation of nature in all aspects of life. Nature was again an important aspect of health and therapeutic care.

The concept of therapeutic care and nature continued into the 19th century with the treatment of tuberculosis focusing on fresh air and sunshine. Subsequent developments in the treatment of mental illness recommended more pastoral settings, often incorporating gardening as a component of the therapeutic care.

The 20th century brought the development and application of germ theory and major modern advancements in medical science and technology. With an increasing emphasis on efficiency, health care institutions shifted more toward creating controlled spaces conducive to staff and operational needs. Concepts of health care continued to evolve to where in most facilities the therapeutic connection to nature was largely denied. A parallel development during this time, however, was the advancement of rehabilitative therapy programs including horticultural therapy, a treatment method using plants and plant-related activities. Horticultural therapy programs incorporating gardens and greenhouses expanded from hospital settings into a range of facilities, including hospices and long-term care facilities serving those with diseases that have eluded scientific cures, including Alzheimer?EUR??,,????'?????< Today, that trend in health care design continues. With increased interest in the benefits of sustainable and regenerative design, there is an ever-growing awareness of nature?EUR??,,????'?????<

Design is a reflection of the quality of our lives, expressing our hopes and aspirations in how we choose to live and heal. Through restorative gardens, nature and design join to broaden our understanding of compassionate care to celebrate healing, wholeness and the richness of the human spirit.

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Project: The Joel Schnaper Memorial Garden

Design Team
David Kamp, FASLA, LF ?EUR??,,????'?????< Olaf Coerper, Architect, Michael Rubin Architects, PLLC

Client Representatives
Mimi Fierle, Director of Horticultural Therapy at ArchCare/TCCHC
Donna Arabian, Horticultural Therapist

Vendors, Specified Materials

1. Fiberglass planters: Fiberglass Engineering Co., Midland, Va.
   
2. Teak seating and tables: Gardenside Premium Teak Furniture
   
3. Concrete pedestal paving: Hanover Paving
   
4. Lattice panels: Greenscreen
   
5. Awning: Star Awning