SABI Magazine SABI Magazine June July 2017 | Page 17
Therapeutic Gardens
Some of the garden types include:
- - Healing gardens in institutions
such as hospitals (designed to be
a shared accessible space for a
diverse range of clientele)
- - Gardens for children with autism
spectrum disorder
- - Edible gardens
- - Dementia gardens
- - Sensory gardens, and
- - Accessible community gardens.
An autism spectrum disorder
garden for children provides a
good example to help elaborate
on how a therapeutic garden can
differ from a normal garden is to
look at, Joanne says.
“In designing this space you need
to consider the aspects of the
autism spectrum disorder itself
and understand the physical and
mental challenges that can arise
as a result of the condition.
“Some children suffer from sensory
overstimulation and need to have
sensory integration therapy to
help them to learn to process the
information they receive from their
senses; they can be swamped by
this sensory overload and become
very distressed. Other children
with the condition can require
additional sensory stimulation
as many of the signals about
their environment do not reach
their brains effectively. This need
for additional, reduced and
graduated sensory stimulation
needs special care in designing
and implementing the built and
vegetative features of the garden.”
The garden needs to provide
the children with opportunities
to improve balance, sense of
space and fine/gross motor-co-
ordination skills in a way that
considers safety and gives the
children a chance to grow in
confidence and gradually take
greater risks.
Specialised needs for shade and
sunshine, various safety inclusions,
stimulating social interactions
and plant selections are, to name
but a few, further considerations
for the garden.
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One Australian, one
therapeutic garden!
There is growing recognition of
the benefits of therapeutic gardens
and regular interaction with
nature, Joanne affirms.
In fact, Australia has recently seen
the introduction of the National
Disability
Insurance
Scheme
which will allow additional funds
for maintenance of facilities and
the running of therapies in these
spaces. The future is bright for the
industry and for those who would
seek to use therapeutic gardens.
“It is our vision to see every
Australian has access to a
therapeutic garden, regardless
of their physical or mental needs.
We can all benefit from the
increased physical activity, the
reduction of stress and the sense
of wellbeing provided by active
gardening or simply exploring our
natural world and its wonders,”
comments Joanne.
“More time spent in gardens and
parks will help to remind us too that
our environment is critical to every
aspect of our lives as individuals,
communities and as a planet. We
all have a part to play in caring for
and protecting our environments
for both our current needs and for
the sake of future generations.
* Joanne says one of her favourite
therapeutic gardens is the Secret
Garden and Nursery operated by
a not for profit organisation known
as Northwest Disability Services.
www.therapeuticgardens.com.au
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