Restorative gardens are part of a holistic approach to healing. They are increasingly being incorporated into state-of-the-art hospitals, senior residences, hospices and outpatient clinics for the use of patients, staff, family and friends.

Bryan Kinghorn and Diann Greener have received certification in Healthcare Garden Design from the School of the Chicago Botanic Garden, making then two of only 100 such professionals in the nation. This intensive training program is taught by leading national authorities in research, design and horticultural therapy.

Kinghorn's healing gardens services include:

• Post occupancy evaluation (POE)
• Restorative garden design
• Maintenance plan development and implementation
• Plant material selection and consultation
• Program planning

Contact us to schedule a presentation on restorative gardens, their benefits and their evidence-based design.

Photo: Roy-Fisher Associates, Inc.

"It’s like time has stopped, like a vacuum, a quiet space. I’m really glad it’s here; it gives me an 'out'. I close my eyes and listen to the water like I'm hearing a stream or a brook. . . . I can get away from the downstairs hustle and bustle. It’s the best thing about this hospital."

– Healthcare employee,
quoted in Healing Gardens, Cooper-Marcus and Barnes

Photo: TKF Foundation

Horticulture therapy at Kernan Orthopaedic & Rehabilitation.

      Healing gardens can:

• Increase treatment diversity for patients and staff.
• Help to meet individual treatment goals and support improved clinical outcomes.
• Provide functional, home-like settings for inpatient and outpatient therapies.
• Help meet physical, cognitive, social, psychological and spiritual needs.
• Provide marketing and public relations benefits for a range of facility goals and programs.
• Support stress reduction by providing restorative places for patients, visitors and staff.
• Help reduce staff burnout.
• Increase consumer satisfaction.

More information: TKF Foundation

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