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. 5 3 4 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 RELIABLE ENERGY SOLUTION 6 2 7 for the entire agricultural sector. 8 1 9 10 14 13 12 11 Zest WEG Group has been servicing the agricultural sector for more than 35 years with its range of robustly engineered products. WEG products, designed using modern technology, offer farmers optimum reliability coupled with excellent energy efficiency. From WEG Premium Efficiency electric motors to WWash electric motors with WEG Variable Speed Drives, all have developed a reputation for solid performance in the most d emanding conditions. Low maintenance requirements as well as ease of serviceability allow reduced total cost of ownership to the agricultural sector. As a market leader, Zest WEG Group offers access through WEG Brazil, to international best practice in electrical solutions for the agricultural sector. The Zest WEG Group operates a strategically situated network of branches and distributors to ensure optimum availability of product and parts. Concludes Joanne: “In today’s busy lifestyles, we are too often disconnected from nature and tend to forget how important it is to us personally, mentally and physically. Our environment feeds us, sustains us, houses us and nurtures us. Tel: +27 11 723 6000 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 Diesel Generator Set WWash Motor Invicta Vibrator Motors Indoor Customisable Control Panels Overhead Lines Transformers All Weather Outdoor Control Panels Pole Mount Transformers Premium Efficiency Motors Variable Speed Drives Soft Starters Direct Online Starters (DOL) Motor Protective LV Switchgear Pushbuttons and Pilot lights www.zestweg.com