This choice to interact with nature , as well as making decisions while experiencing the garden , provides patients with a sense of control at a time when their health and well-being is in the control of others . In return , this sense of control , as well as the sensory benefits of being in a garden , leads to a reduction in stress that ultimately leads to quicker recovery times and good health .
The successful design of a therapeutic landscape rests on four pillars , namely : visual & physical accessibility to the landscape ; ease of mobility for people with movement difficulties ;
a variety of functional spaces that meet different needs ; and the provision of sensory stimulation . “ The knowledge and understanding of these principles , as well as consultation with our client , medical specialists and other design professional , guided us in all aspects of the therapeutic design process . We also explored the relatively new concept of Horticultural Therapy and hope that our efforts will result in this programme being offered by the hospital ”.
Historically a typical hospital garden consists of peripheral ‘ green ’ spaces that contribute little
44 Nelson Mandela Children ' s Hospital