Having a connection to green space can have powerful benefits for one’s physical and mental health. For instance, patients with a view of nature have better outcomes than patients with a view of a wall.
Interaction with plants can help to improve all six quality of life areas:
- Physical health
- Psychological health
- Independence
- Social well-being
- Environment
- Spiritual well-being
Because of these benefits an increasing number of hospitals are constructing “healing gardens” on the premises.
A distinction can be made between “healing gardens” which are typically attached to hospitals or other care institutions for patient viewing and relaxation, and “therapeutic gardens” where patients themselves work the garden as a form of occupational or other type of therapy.
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