Reconnecting with nature
The Senses Therapeutical Garden
The Senses Therapeutical Garden: The revolution for green and social prescribing
The Therapeutic Garden "The Senses" is a public garden in Coslada, Madrid, Spain. It stands out from other care practices by using nature to improve the overall health of its visitors. The garden incorporates principles of social and therapeutic gardening and horticulture, which have been shown to have a positive impact on both mental and physical health. The Senses Garden primarily targets the elderly and disabled members of the community, aiming to promote their autonomy.
Spain
Local
In the municipality of Coslada (Madrid)
Mainly urban
It refers to a physical transformation of the built environment (hard investment)
Yes
2019-03-01
No
No
No
As a representative of an organisation
The Senses Therapeutic Garden in Coslada, Madrid, is an innovative public space designed to improve the physical, cognitive, and emotional well-being of its users through nature-based therapy. Its primary aim is to provide a safe and accessible environment for the elderly and people with disabilities, offering therapeutic benefits in the form of physical activities, memory stimulation, and emotional support.
Targeting individuals who often face isolation, depression, or mental and physical challenges, the garden is open to all members of the community. The garden serves as an inclusive space where elderly people and those with disabilities can engage in a variety of activities, such as gymnastics, yoga, tai chi, and memory-boosting exercises. These activities are designed by a professional occupational therapist, who adapts them to meet the specific needs of each individual, whether cognitive, social, or physical. In addition to physical health, the garden also supports emotional well-being, with activities that promote social connections and manage grief or anxiety.
The garden has shown impressive results since its establishment, growing from 140 users in 2018 to 380 active participants in 2024, with 75% of users being elderly and 25% people with disabilities. The project has significantly reduced loneliness, with 30% of participants reporting less loneliness after attending. The overall user satisfaction has been high, scoring 4.6 out of 5. It has also positively impacted the users' physical and mental health, with primary healthcare providers now referring patients to the garden.
The garden has become a model for other municipalities and was featured in Spain’s Ministry of Health’s guidebook on "Healthy Cities." The Senses Therapeutic Garden exemplifies how nature-based therapy can contribute to the well-being of individuals and communities, providing a model for inclusive, accessible, and impactful therapeutic spaces.
Targeting individuals who often face isolation, depression, or mental and physical challenges, the garden is open to all members of the community. The garden serves as an inclusive space where elderly people and those with disabilities can engage in a variety of activities, such as gymnastics, yoga, tai chi, and memory-boosting exercises. These activities are designed by a professional occupational therapist, who adapts them to meet the specific needs of each individual, whether cognitive, social, or physical. In addition to physical health, the garden also supports emotional well-being, with activities that promote social connections and manage grief or anxiety.
The garden has shown impressive results since its establishment, growing from 140 users in 2018 to 380 active participants in 2024, with 75% of users being elderly and 25% people with disabilities. The project has significantly reduced loneliness, with 30% of participants reporting less loneliness after attending. The overall user satisfaction has been high, scoring 4.6 out of 5. It has also positively impacted the users' physical and mental health, with primary healthcare providers now referring patients to the garden.
The garden has become a model for other municipalities and was featured in Spain’s Ministry of Health’s guidebook on "Healthy Cities." The Senses Therapeutic Garden exemplifies how nature-based therapy can contribute to the well-being of individuals and communities, providing a model for inclusive, accessible, and impactful therapeutic spaces.
Nature
Community
Health
Support
Active ageing
The therapeutic garden focuses on sustainability through the following key objectives:
- Social Sustainability: The activities carried out in the garden aim to extend the active life of the elderly and promote the autonomy of people with disabilities. For example, individuals with mental disabilities work in the garden, contributing to their personal development and social inclusion. This project, therefore, plays a significant role in fostering social sustainability by providing meaningful opportunities for vulnerable groups.
- Environmental Sustainability: The therapeutic garden embodies the principles of circularity. It serves as a space where organic waste is composted, supporting a closed-loop system. Seniors actively participate in gardening, cultivating plants that provide food and herbs, fostering self-sufficiency. This promotes environmental awareness and reduces the need for external resources, aligning with circular economy principles.
Additionally, the garden was designed with sustainable urban planning in mind. It incorporates sustainable drainage systems, permeable pavements, and perennial planting covering 60% of the surface area. Situated in an urban location, the garden repurposes underutilized land, transforming it into a vibrant green space. This not only beautifies the area but also contributes to the city's environmental sustainability by absorbing carbon dioxide, mitigating urban heat islands, and supporting biodiversity—goals that align with ecological sustainability.
The garden also promotes biodiversity by introducing nature into the urban environment through a variety of species. It features plants that attract pollinators and includes actions like insect houses to further encourage local wildlife.
In this way, the project exemplifies sustainable practices by integrating social inclusion, environmental awareness, and biodiversity conservation in a practical, urban context.
- Social Sustainability: The activities carried out in the garden aim to extend the active life of the elderly and promote the autonomy of people with disabilities. For example, individuals with mental disabilities work in the garden, contributing to their personal development and social inclusion. This project, therefore, plays a significant role in fostering social sustainability by providing meaningful opportunities for vulnerable groups.
- Environmental Sustainability: The therapeutic garden embodies the principles of circularity. It serves as a space where organic waste is composted, supporting a closed-loop system. Seniors actively participate in gardening, cultivating plants that provide food and herbs, fostering self-sufficiency. This promotes environmental awareness and reduces the need for external resources, aligning with circular economy principles.
Additionally, the garden was designed with sustainable urban planning in mind. It incorporates sustainable drainage systems, permeable pavements, and perennial planting covering 60% of the surface area. Situated in an urban location, the garden repurposes underutilized land, transforming it into a vibrant green space. This not only beautifies the area but also contributes to the city's environmental sustainability by absorbing carbon dioxide, mitigating urban heat islands, and supporting biodiversity—goals that align with ecological sustainability.
The garden also promotes biodiversity by introducing nature into the urban environment through a variety of species. It features plants that attract pollinators and includes actions like insect houses to further encourage local wildlife.
In this way, the project exemplifies sustainable practices by integrating social inclusion, environmental awareness, and biodiversity conservation in a practical, urban context.
The therapeutic garden The Senses is specifically designed to:
1. Ensure accessibility for individuals with both physical and mental disabilities: The garden incorporates elements such as handrails, high planters, wide pathways for wheelchairs, and more. It is built in an organic way, which is crucial for preventing overwhelming users who may have mental disabilities. This design creates clear orientation, providing spaces for individuals to retreat if needed, as well as areas for socializing and relaxation.
2. Create spaces for therapeutic activities: The garden is designed with designated areas for various therapeutic purposes. For example, there is a space for physical activities and another for reminiscence. The garden includes plants and elements that support these activities, such as sensory plants for stimulating the senses and typical Spanish rural plants and tools for reminiscence exercises.
This project stands out because it is a beautiful garden located in the heart of an urban area, but it also integrates practical considerations in every design decision. Every element in the garden has meaning and purpose, as illustrated in the examples above. It serves as a model to follow because, in addition to enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the neighborhood, it significantly impacts the health and well-being of the elderly and disabled members of the community, creating a space where they feel at home.
1. Ensure accessibility for individuals with both physical and mental disabilities: The garden incorporates elements such as handrails, high planters, wide pathways for wheelchairs, and more. It is built in an organic way, which is crucial for preventing overwhelming users who may have mental disabilities. This design creates clear orientation, providing spaces for individuals to retreat if needed, as well as areas for socializing and relaxation.
2. Create spaces for therapeutic activities: The garden is designed with designated areas for various therapeutic purposes. For example, there is a space for physical activities and another for reminiscence. The garden includes plants and elements that support these activities, such as sensory plants for stimulating the senses and typical Spanish rural plants and tools for reminiscence exercises.
This project stands out because it is a beautiful garden located in the heart of an urban area, but it also integrates practical considerations in every design decision. Every element in the garden has meaning and purpose, as illustrated in the examples above. It serves as a model to follow because, in addition to enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the neighborhood, it significantly impacts the health and well-being of the elderly and disabled members of the community, creating a space where they feel at home.
The objective of this project is to serve as a new model for urban neighborhoods, designed specifically for the elderly and disabled. It provides a safe space for the people of Coslada, as it is a public service, free of charge, and open to anyone who wishes to participate.
Spain, like many other European countries, is an aging society. As life expectancy increases, people have many years to remain active after retirement. Therefore, it is crucial to maintain both physical and mental capacities. The therapeutic garden offers an ideal solution to support this.
However, where this project truly stands out is in addressing the social and emotional aspects of aging and disability. Often, there is an unwanted loneliness associated with these conditions. Loneliness can lead to insomnia, depression, and anxiety—issues that older individuals, in particular, are reluctant to talk about, which makes them less likely to seek help. The garden provides an exceptional solution by offering a space where people can participate without feeling labeled as "ill."
In the garden, participants engage in activities led by a professional occupational therapist who tailors the activities and groups to meet individual needs, whether social, cognitive, or physical. This is done through the calming presence of nature, which plays an important role in the therapeutic process.
What also sets The Senses Garden apart is its ability to bring people together from different backgrounds and age groups. We have groups participating in active aging programs, individuals with dementia, children with disabilities, and members of the public who are always welcome to visit and enjoy the space. This inclusivity gives individuals visibility in society and promotes a sense of community for all.
This project is exemplary in promoting inclusion, not only through its accessibility but also by fostering a new societal model that encourages connection, health, and well-being for all people.
Spain, like many other European countries, is an aging society. As life expectancy increases, people have many years to remain active after retirement. Therefore, it is crucial to maintain both physical and mental capacities. The therapeutic garden offers an ideal solution to support this.
However, where this project truly stands out is in addressing the social and emotional aspects of aging and disability. Often, there is an unwanted loneliness associated with these conditions. Loneliness can lead to insomnia, depression, and anxiety—issues that older individuals, in particular, are reluctant to talk about, which makes them less likely to seek help. The garden provides an exceptional solution by offering a space where people can participate without feeling labeled as "ill."
In the garden, participants engage in activities led by a professional occupational therapist who tailors the activities and groups to meet individual needs, whether social, cognitive, or physical. This is done through the calming presence of nature, which plays an important role in the therapeutic process.
What also sets The Senses Garden apart is its ability to bring people together from different backgrounds and age groups. We have groups participating in active aging programs, individuals with dementia, children with disabilities, and members of the public who are always welcome to visit and enjoy the space. This inclusivity gives individuals visibility in society and promotes a sense of community for all.
This project is exemplary in promoting inclusion, not only through its accessibility but also by fostering a new societal model that encourages connection, health, and well-being for all people.
The Senses Therapeutic Garden benefits citizens in the following ways:
Elderly and Disabled: Activities to create healthy habits: -- Maintaining physical and cognitive health through exercises like gymnastics, yoga, or tai chi; or activities to stimulate memory through therapeutic programs called Vive el Jardín, where garden activities are adapted to stimulate memory, fine motor skills, etc. (The objectives change based on the participants’ needs). -- Improving mental health and emotional management: Activities foster new social connections, with several friendship groups having formed in the garden, in addition to the constant support from the therapist. Mental health is also addressed through activities like relaxation and grief management.
Indirect Impact on the Neighborhood: The garden also benefits the local community, as people can freely walk through the garden and indirectly participate in activities with their family members. Integration activities are promoted four Saturdays a year, and newsletters are created with updates on the garden, which users take home to share with friends and family.
Regarding the level of involvement, it is important to highlight that all activities are tailored to the users’ needs. The therapist conducts well-being evaluations and satisfaction surveys to identify needs for future changes. For example, based on the needs detected last yeat we introduced a grief workshop (a smaller group to process the stages of grief) and a technology workshop (to practice basic knowledge on smartphones).
Finally, it is important to note that, as the garden is part of social services, they are deeply involved in the project, ensuring that vulnerable individuals and those with specific needs have access to it by refering them to the garden. The social services also do a monthly follow-up on the number of people attending the garden and the activities.
Elderly and Disabled: Activities to create healthy habits: -- Maintaining physical and cognitive health through exercises like gymnastics, yoga, or tai chi; or activities to stimulate memory through therapeutic programs called Vive el Jardín, where garden activities are adapted to stimulate memory, fine motor skills, etc. (The objectives change based on the participants’ needs). -- Improving mental health and emotional management: Activities foster new social connections, with several friendship groups having formed in the garden, in addition to the constant support from the therapist. Mental health is also addressed through activities like relaxation and grief management.
Indirect Impact on the Neighborhood: The garden also benefits the local community, as people can freely walk through the garden and indirectly participate in activities with their family members. Integration activities are promoted four Saturdays a year, and newsletters are created with updates on the garden, which users take home to share with friends and family.
Regarding the level of involvement, it is important to highlight that all activities are tailored to the users’ needs. The therapist conducts well-being evaluations and satisfaction surveys to identify needs for future changes. For example, based on the needs detected last yeat we introduced a grief workshop (a smaller group to process the stages of grief) and a technology workshop (to practice basic knowledge on smartphones).
Finally, it is important to note that, as the garden is part of social services, they are deeply involved in the project, ensuring that vulnerable individuals and those with specific needs have access to it by refering them to the garden. The social services also do a monthly follow-up on the number of people attending the garden and the activities.
The design was done by Jardines Terapéuticos Palmlöf. It was based on the northern design used in Alnarp, a rehabilitation garden in Sweden with scientific studies that show clear improvements of reduced symptoms of burnout, depression, anxiety, and stress-related symptoms of the users, but also reduced sick leave and healthcare consumption.
La Fundación ONCE (Organización Nacional de Ciegos Españoles) is a Spanish non-profit organization that focuses on promoting the social inclusion, equal opportunities, and comprehensive accessibility of people with disabilities, primarily visual impairments. This organization, providing their expertise, helped with the design of the orientation and accessibility of the garden, and ensured it followed all regulations.
In terms of implementation, one key stakeholder was a former minister of health that acknowledged the project and presented it to the municipality of Madrid and Coslada. It was an added value since she was a recognized person in the political sphere.
Other key components that helped to jump start the implementation of the garden were:
- Social services had conducted a "friendly city" diagnostic study with the WHO (world health organization) guidelines on Coslada. In this study the elderly had asked for public outdoor spaces, accessible to them. This created the need.
- The departments of Environment and Urban planning of the municipality of Coslada were responsible for deciding where to locate the garden. They were the ones who made the decision to remove the cemetery and therefore wanted to give something meaningful back to the people of Coslada. This created a purpose. They also supported the project by taking the decision to make a safer and wider pedestrian walk along the garden to improve accessibility.
From there, the municipality went through the public tender process and Social services financed the project.
La Fundación ONCE (Organización Nacional de Ciegos Españoles) is a Spanish non-profit organization that focuses on promoting the social inclusion, equal opportunities, and comprehensive accessibility of people with disabilities, primarily visual impairments. This organization, providing their expertise, helped with the design of the orientation and accessibility of the garden, and ensured it followed all regulations.
In terms of implementation, one key stakeholder was a former minister of health that acknowledged the project and presented it to the municipality of Madrid and Coslada. It was an added value since she was a recognized person in the political sphere.
Other key components that helped to jump start the implementation of the garden were:
- Social services had conducted a "friendly city" diagnostic study with the WHO (world health organization) guidelines on Coslada. In this study the elderly had asked for public outdoor spaces, accessible to them. This created the need.
- The departments of Environment and Urban planning of the municipality of Coslada were responsible for deciding where to locate the garden. They were the ones who made the decision to remove the cemetery and therefore wanted to give something meaningful back to the people of Coslada. This created a purpose. They also supported the project by taking the decision to make a safer and wider pedestrian walk along the garden to improve accessibility.
From there, the municipality went through the public tender process and Social services financed the project.
The disciplines that worked together for this project were: Occupational therapy, Horticultural therapy, Landscape architecture, Universal design, and Social anthropology. The way these disciplines interacted was as follows:
The first thing that was done was to decide the therapeutic objectives for the population in the aim of health prevention. These were: physical activity, sensory stimulation, therapeutic agriculture, and working on collective memory (reminiscence), which are reflected in the four modules of the garden. This step was done with universal design and social anthropology which stated the needs of society, which was a growing ageing population.
Once decided the objectives to work on prevention, with the knowledge of what was important to include based on the studies made in Alnarp (which elements, plants, surfaces, etc.) a first spatial model was designed by universal design. From Alnarp, we could get inspiration, and know which elements play an important role and which don’t. Then, universal design met with occupational therapists to see how they work, what necessities the people attending the garden have, and therefore what adaptations are needed. These adaptations were then included in the design giving a more detailed view of the modules.
Once having a clear first draft of the design the landscape architects took over and created the final design with all the details (the material and plants used, etc.). Here we also consulted the ONCE foundation, as mentioned above, for accessibility and regulatory advice. Once the garden was built the operations of the garden which consists in the activities are fully managed by Occupational therapists, horticultural gardener, and a physical education instructor.
This multi-disciplinary team has not only created an outdoor space fit for the purpose, it has also considered a highly sensitive environment that includes a long lasting sustainable service including different departments in the municipality.
The first thing that was done was to decide the therapeutic objectives for the population in the aim of health prevention. These were: physical activity, sensory stimulation, therapeutic agriculture, and working on collective memory (reminiscence), which are reflected in the four modules of the garden. This step was done with universal design and social anthropology which stated the needs of society, which was a growing ageing population.
Once decided the objectives to work on prevention, with the knowledge of what was important to include based on the studies made in Alnarp (which elements, plants, surfaces, etc.) a first spatial model was designed by universal design. From Alnarp, we could get inspiration, and know which elements play an important role and which don’t. Then, universal design met with occupational therapists to see how they work, what necessities the people attending the garden have, and therefore what adaptations are needed. These adaptations were then included in the design giving a more detailed view of the modules.
Once having a clear first draft of the design the landscape architects took over and created the final design with all the details (the material and plants used, etc.). Here we also consulted the ONCE foundation, as mentioned above, for accessibility and regulatory advice. Once the garden was built the operations of the garden which consists in the activities are fully managed by Occupational therapists, horticultural gardener, and a physical education instructor.
This multi-disciplinary team has not only created an outdoor space fit for the purpose, it has also considered a highly sensitive environment that includes a long lasting sustainable service including different departments in the municipality.
The senses therapeutical garden stands as a pioneering beacon of inclusivity, redefining the boundaries of traditional therapy and recreation. Its innovation lies in its ability to seamlessly integrate individuals from diverse abilities, and ages, throught the calming senses of nature.
Traditionally, if you are an active elder, you have many alternatives (dancing, swimming, book-clubs, etc.). However, if you have a problem such as having difficulty getting out, depression, unwanted loneliness, the other solution is to go to the health care system. The health care system can offer physical help in your home, but for mental health, it can take 7-15 months to get a psychiatry appointment, and then the follow-up appointments are spread out with a month or more in between.
Unlike conventional therapeutic settings, this garden provides a nurturing environment that allows us to take part in changing an individual’s daily routine and constantly monitor the individual's progress. We do this through creating routines, weekly follow-ups and yearly evaluations.
The nurturing environment is created by the natural setting, the professional help, and the creation of new focuses of interest through the activities that take place in the garden. This environment does not put pressure on the individual. Nature acts as a soothing distraction, enabling them to address their challenges constructively. Moreover, this setting fosters connections with others who share similar experiences, emphasizing the reassuring realization that one is not alone.
By combining a person-centered monitoring with tailored activities, the healing power of nature, and the sense of community, the therapeutical garden offers a more holistic, progressive, and inclusive approach to wellbeing and inclusivity that set it apart from conventional methods.
Traditionally, if you are an active elder, you have many alternatives (dancing, swimming, book-clubs, etc.). However, if you have a problem such as having difficulty getting out, depression, unwanted loneliness, the other solution is to go to the health care system. The health care system can offer physical help in your home, but for mental health, it can take 7-15 months to get a psychiatry appointment, and then the follow-up appointments are spread out with a month or more in between.
Unlike conventional therapeutic settings, this garden provides a nurturing environment that allows us to take part in changing an individual’s daily routine and constantly monitor the individual's progress. We do this through creating routines, weekly follow-ups and yearly evaluations.
The nurturing environment is created by the natural setting, the professional help, and the creation of new focuses of interest through the activities that take place in the garden. This environment does not put pressure on the individual. Nature acts as a soothing distraction, enabling them to address their challenges constructively. Moreover, this setting fosters connections with others who share similar experiences, emphasizing the reassuring realization that one is not alone.
By combining a person-centered monitoring with tailored activities, the healing power of nature, and the sense of community, the therapeutical garden offers a more holistic, progressive, and inclusive approach to wellbeing and inclusivity that set it apart from conventional methods.
The methodology and the design go hand in hand; therefore, we shall start describing the design.
The design is a modular design. It is made of four modules:
- The sensory module: A low-effort zone with sensory stimulation elements such as sensory planters and water elements
- The loop module: An area for intense effort, through a walking circuit and elements that allow exercising psychomotor skills.
- Horticulture module. It provides psychomotor and sensory stimulation (tactile and olfactory) and helps to reinforce the feeling of usefulness.
- Reminiscence module: Area with various cultural and historical elements to stimulate memory and promote conversation and communication. Cognitive stimulation.
The methodology is based on the nature on which the activities are built. All therapies are connected to the garden and the natural changes that arise during the year in nature. For this reason, it is necessary that there are very different species that maintain some kind of interest during all months of the year. Depending on the plants of interest in each season, the garden's schedule and calendar is planned. Each week has a theme that is adapted to the groups in the garden and their therapeutic objectives.
In order to have a person-centered focus, all activities are done in small groups of 2-8 people. Each group/session has a specific objective and is always guided by a professional. The session are 45 minutes, ones or twice a week. Evaluations are done two times a year, whilst reports a done monthly to Social Services.
The design is a modular design. It is made of four modules:
- The sensory module: A low-effort zone with sensory stimulation elements such as sensory planters and water elements
- The loop module: An area for intense effort, through a walking circuit and elements that allow exercising psychomotor skills.
- Horticulture module. It provides psychomotor and sensory stimulation (tactile and olfactory) and helps to reinforce the feeling of usefulness.
- Reminiscence module: Area with various cultural and historical elements to stimulate memory and promote conversation and communication. Cognitive stimulation.
The methodology is based on the nature on which the activities are built. All therapies are connected to the garden and the natural changes that arise during the year in nature. For this reason, it is necessary that there are very different species that maintain some kind of interest during all months of the year. Depending on the plants of interest in each season, the garden's schedule and calendar is planned. Each week has a theme that is adapted to the groups in the garden and their therapeutic objectives.
In order to have a person-centered focus, all activities are done in small groups of 2-8 people. Each group/session has a specific objective and is always guided by a professional. The session are 45 minutes, ones or twice a week. Evaluations are done two times a year, whilst reports a done monthly to Social Services.
The Senses therapeutical garden has been the first of its kind in Spain and has been set as reference for other therapeutical gardens. Both the design and the methodology can, and have been, replicated in other regions of Spain and Europe.
- The design: The modular design is easily replicated but needs to be adapted to the culture and climate. 70% of the design is reusable for a new project. In Spain 17 built gardens have been replicated based on this design (9 in the Community of Madrid and 8 in other regions). Together with the Erasmus plus project called Healing Gardener, we have made a manual of the design. The garden has then been replicated in Greece and Germany.
- The methodology: The method has been studied and developed during the 5 years, birthing into a patented methodology, easily replicable in a garden with this design. The methodology includes 180 activity and therapy sheets applicable in the therapeutic garden and classifiable by time of year and therapeutic objectives, offering more than 30 therapies per module.
Both the design and the methodology have been adapted in the case of Coslada to the different groups of beneficiaries specific to this community. The majority group being the elderly. However, the design and methodology encompasses mental health at any age and therefore all the aforementioned groups (Alzheimer, cognitive disability, depression) and is therefore easily adaptable to any of these groups. For example, last year, another therapeutical garden, with the same design and methodology was built in a Neurological Rehabilitacion Hospital in Valladolid (Spain) which has had a big impact on the mental well-being of their patients. This shows, the project has a high transferability in both design, methodology and target group.
- The design: The modular design is easily replicated but needs to be adapted to the culture and climate. 70% of the design is reusable for a new project. In Spain 17 built gardens have been replicated based on this design (9 in the Community of Madrid and 8 in other regions). Together with the Erasmus plus project called Healing Gardener, we have made a manual of the design. The garden has then been replicated in Greece and Germany.
- The methodology: The method has been studied and developed during the 5 years, birthing into a patented methodology, easily replicable in a garden with this design. The methodology includes 180 activity and therapy sheets applicable in the therapeutic garden and classifiable by time of year and therapeutic objectives, offering more than 30 therapies per module.
Both the design and the methodology have been adapted in the case of Coslada to the different groups of beneficiaries specific to this community. The majority group being the elderly. However, the design and methodology encompasses mental health at any age and therefore all the aforementioned groups (Alzheimer, cognitive disability, depression) and is therefore easily adaptable to any of these groups. For example, last year, another therapeutical garden, with the same design and methodology was built in a Neurological Rehabilitacion Hospital in Valladolid (Spain) which has had a big impact on the mental well-being of their patients. This shows, the project has a high transferability in both design, methodology and target group.
Firstly, in the face of an ageing society, where most developed countries have a reversed population pyramid, these kinds of gardens provide a nurturing environment that works to keep the elderly active and socially engaged so that entry into dependency is delayed.
Secondly, it combats ageism by creating an inclusive space where individuals of all ages are valued and respected, fostering a sense of community and mutual understanding. Through intergenerational activities, and being seen, these gardens bridge generational gaps, promoting empathy and combating stereotypes associated with different age groups.
Thirdly, in the context of mental health challenges, therapeutic gardens offer a sanctuary for individuals dealing with stress, anxiety, or depression. Nature therapy, horticultural activities, and the calming environment, guided by a professional, helps alleviate mental health issues and promote emotional resilience.
Additionally, the therapeutic garden addresses the problem of marginalization by providing a safe space for marginalized communities, including people with disabilities and mental health conditions. These gardens empower individuals by offering them opportunities to actively participate, fostering a sense of belonging and social inclusion.
Lastly, therapeutic gardens contribute to mitigating the loss of green spaces in urban areas. By transforming underutilized or neglected spaces into vibrant, green sanctuaries, these gardens enhance urban biodiversity, improve air quality, and provide a respite from the concrete jungle. This, in turn, promotes environmental awareness and sustainable living practices, addressing broader ecological challenges faced by urban areas.
Secondly, it combats ageism by creating an inclusive space where individuals of all ages are valued and respected, fostering a sense of community and mutual understanding. Through intergenerational activities, and being seen, these gardens bridge generational gaps, promoting empathy and combating stereotypes associated with different age groups.
Thirdly, in the context of mental health challenges, therapeutic gardens offer a sanctuary for individuals dealing with stress, anxiety, or depression. Nature therapy, horticultural activities, and the calming environment, guided by a professional, helps alleviate mental health issues and promote emotional resilience.
Additionally, the therapeutic garden addresses the problem of marginalization by providing a safe space for marginalized communities, including people with disabilities and mental health conditions. These gardens empower individuals by offering them opportunities to actively participate, fostering a sense of belonging and social inclusion.
Lastly, therapeutic gardens contribute to mitigating the loss of green spaces in urban areas. By transforming underutilized or neglected spaces into vibrant, green sanctuaries, these gardens enhance urban biodiversity, improve air quality, and provide a respite from the concrete jungle. This, in turn, promotes environmental awareness and sustainable living practices, addressing broader ecological challenges faced by urban areas.
The biggest impact of The Senses Therapeutic Garden is that, after 6 years of operation, it has grown from 140 users in 2018 to 380 active users, 75% of whom are elderly and 25% are people with disabilities. The garden is now nearing its maximum capacity of 400 people. It is the first public therapeutic garden using nature-based therapy, serving as a model for other municipalities across Spain.
The garden also attracts other visitors: as mentioned, local councils have visited, as well as elderly care homes, both management and users, along with trainees and students from universities.
Most of the users initially attend the activities due to depression or unwanted loneliness. A study conducted in collaboration with the University of Complutense showed a correlation between loneliness and depression. The self-assessments conducted in the garden revealed that 30% of participants felt less lonely after attending the garden.
User satisfaction is high, with an overall rating of 4.6 out of 5. Participants rated:
- The activities and staff
- The registration management process
- The perceived impact of the garden's activities and therapies
- The facilities and environment
- Overall satisfaction
- Personal feedback and suggestions for improvements
Additionally, the garden has had a significant impact on the physical and emotional health of the users, helping them stay stronger. The positive effects have been so successful that primary healthcare providers now refer patients to the garden, and we are featured in the Ministry of Health's guidebook promoting "healthy cities."
Finally, the Coslada Therapeutic Garden has been a pioneering project that has allowed us to develop a methodology and design that works and can be replicated. As a result, the design has been reproduced through the Erasmus+ project in Germany and Greece. It serves as an example of the benefits therapeutic gardens can have on the well-being of individuals and their communities.
The garden also attracts other visitors: as mentioned, local councils have visited, as well as elderly care homes, both management and users, along with trainees and students from universities.
Most of the users initially attend the activities due to depression or unwanted loneliness. A study conducted in collaboration with the University of Complutense showed a correlation between loneliness and depression. The self-assessments conducted in the garden revealed that 30% of participants felt less lonely after attending the garden.
User satisfaction is high, with an overall rating of 4.6 out of 5. Participants rated:
- The activities and staff
- The registration management process
- The perceived impact of the garden's activities and therapies
- The facilities and environment
- Overall satisfaction
- Personal feedback and suggestions for improvements
Additionally, the garden has had a significant impact on the physical and emotional health of the users, helping them stay stronger. The positive effects have been so successful that primary healthcare providers now refer patients to the garden, and we are featured in the Ministry of Health's guidebook promoting "healthy cities."
Finally, the Coslada Therapeutic Garden has been a pioneering project that has allowed us to develop a methodology and design that works and can be replicated. As a result, the design has been reproduced through the Erasmus+ project in Germany and Greece. It serves as an example of the benefits therapeutic gardens can have on the well-being of individuals and their communities.
