In his landscaping blog, Fernando Pozuelo delves into the concept of “garden therapy,” a practice aimed at enhancing mental well-being. Over the past three years, our adaptability and resilience have been tested like never before, resulting in an increase in mental health issues globally. Spain, according to the latest report from the International Narcotics Control Board, led the world in the consumption of anxiolytics, hypnotics, and sedatives, reflecting the data from the Center for Sociological Research (CIS), where 6.4% of the population sought mental health professionals for various symptoms. Nature has always been one of the best allies to boost well-being, leading to a constant search for activities that enhance positive sensations.

To maximize these benefits, “therapeutic gardens” have been designed. These green spaces are intended to promote not only interaction with nature but also stimulation, education, development, and rehabilitation on physical, psychological, and emotional levels. While their use is increasingly prevalent in hospitals, nursing homes, care centers, or supervised apartments, their origin dates back to ancient Egypt, where outdoor garden spaces were culturally understood as spiritually and emotionally healing.

According to experts from the American Horticultural Therapy Association (AHTA), therapeutic gardens can reduce stress and symptoms of mental illnesses such as schizophrenia, dementia, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Mood Disorders, and related conditions, thereby improving mood.

Additionally, many patients experience improvements in self-efficacy, a sense of accomplishment and success, and the discovery of enjoyable and relaxing activities. Therapeutic gardens enable individuals to develop their own identity, move away from the role of a dependent patient, and engage in an occupation perceived as important by society.

In this context, landscape designer Fernando Pozuelo highlights some characteristics of these gardens and how to enhance their positive impact:

Visual Stimulation:
– Bright colors of flowers attract patients, providing a degree of concentration.
– Textures, visually pleasant, and the color green have a calming effect, achieved not only through plants but also in paintings or trompe-l’oeil that can be painted on the premises.

More Sensory Species:
– Aromatic plants like lavender, rosemary, and santolina contribute to olfactory stimulation, aiding patients.
– To work on the sense of touch, gentle and silky species like grasses can be touched with fingertips, providing a soothing experience.

Design and Layout:
– Essential in therapeutic gardens, the design aims to enhance interaction with the natural environment.
– Typically organized and rectilinear, with cultivation zones, recreational areas, walking paths, secluded spaces for concentration through activities like painting or sculpture, and a service area for storing tools.

Maintenance as a Ritual:
– Caring for gardens becomes a healing ritual itself, with activities such as pruning, weeding to eliminate unwanted plants, harvesting, and mowing.
– These activities can turn into routines, helping patients relax and find a zen moment.

All these activities encourage the development of interpersonal relationships, cooperation, responsibility, and communication.

“While we have highlighted their use in different institutions, their expansion is reaching the private sphere, with more homes opting for a design that encourages interaction with nature for the purpose of seeking well-being,” comments Fernando Pozuelo.