Earth Day in a Therapeutic Garden

As I stood at the gate of my community garden, I thought about the events of this Earth Day, April 22, 2008. I have listened to all of the activities being held and all of the progress we are making in improving our environment. This is the 38^th year that we have focused attention on the effects of what man is doing to our planet and we still have a long way to go. (Still thinking the glass is half full and hoping that we are making positive changes.)

I look around the garden and see what a few people are doing to connect with the earth. It is impressive what everyone grows and how they approach gardening. There are mounded vegetable rows, leaf covered plots, fences surrounding individual plots, a bird house, all signs of spring activity. People are preparing for another growing season.

The Township has added several raised planting beds for the seniors in the community. I helped the Recreation Department design the planters and I am anxious to see how they are used by the older adults in the community. Some shade and a few benches should be added. Fortunately the water line has been extended to the corner where these raised beds are located.

Our community garden plot already contains 40 little lettuce plants, a row of spinach and a row of radishes. The trellises has been constructed that will support the sugar snap and pole beans. Starter potatoes have been planted. And there is room for much more in this 25’ by 50 foot garden plot, as soon ass the dangers of frost have subsided. I am on the hunt for ‘new’ heirloom tomatoes to plant this year. And, finding the oriental cucumbers is always an illusive pursuit.

The therapeutic aspect of this garden, for me, is to watch the vegetables grow and our children help us plant the young plants. Is this a therapeutic garden? The answer, for me is yes. It is a place for me to socialize with others. I just met a new friend; Bonnie, last evening and we shared all kinds of garden related stories. I get to tell my wife about what I planted in the garden today and how the sunflower seedlings are doing. This is a Therapeutic Garden in all it’s aspects of healing – reducing stress, lowering blood pressure, helping balance circadian rhythms and other qualities that make our connection with nature so important.

Every day should be an Earth (focused) Day.

Spring Flowers

I received the following message from Lee Shahay who is the Horticulture Director at Parker at Stonegate Assisted Living in Highland Park, NJ. Lee has been working with the residents - helping them to get ready for spring. The residents have been taking cuttings from the ornamental trees and shrubs on the Parker at Stonegate campus and bringing them inside to encourage the branches to bloom early in the season.

Lee wrote, "In a program I ran last Friday we talked about a variety of flowering trees, and the solarium is filled with branches whose buds are about to explore into an array of color. The residents are having great fun watching the progress, and stopping by each day to see what might be blooming. There is a very good possibility that our raised beds will be installed this spring, which means we can begin to do more ground planting. I am very excited about what the coming of spring will mean for our horticulture program here at Parker. Have a great day."

Theraputic Landscapes Research Initiative (TLRI)

What is the TLRI?

The TLRI is an accessible compendium of current research on the topic of therapeutic landscape and garden design. Summaries of research germane to the topic of Healthcare and Therapeutic Design will be made available to ASLA members. Also in initial stages is an interactive component, in the form of a blog, to allow for the necessary dialogue, and continuing refinement and application of this research.

How can I access the TLRI?

You can access the interactive blog and all related resources @ http://therapeuticlandscapes.blogspot.com/

You'll find hands-on content and research, for example:

I recently stumbled up an Australian radio show 'All in the Mind' which featured a show about nature and it's psychological benefits.

The synopsis: "Intuitively we sense that nature relaxes us -- even small pockets of green in the concrete urban jungle seem to make a difference. But finding good scientific evidence for how and why has been more difficult -- until now. Crime rates, academic performance, aggression and even ADHD. Could a bit of greening make all the difference? And, ecology on the couch -- a self described 'ecotherapist' with novel techniques."
http://www.abc.net.au/rn/allinthemind/stories/2008/2160268.htm

The site also contained some great links to Landscape-related resources, including the following site with some great research: The Landscape and Human Health Laboratory (University of Illinois - Urbana Champaign), that is "... is a multidisciplinary research laboratory dedicated to studying the connection between greenery and human health."

Greenhouse Grants

I just received this message from AHTA regarding their Greenhouse Grant Program.

It's definitely worth checking out:

Hello AHTA Members & Friends,

We'd like to remind you that the deadline for the 2008 Greenhouse Grant applications is quickly approaching.

If your program (or someone you know) would like to apply for a free greenhouse
from SunPorch Structures, download the application information at www.ahta.org/grantsAwards/greenhouseGrants.cfm.

This is a great opportunity - don't miss out!

March Newsletter

NATIVE PLANTS

In the last newsletter we talked about native plants in relation to sustainability. It is important to understand that native or indigenous plants have adapted to a particular region over hundreds of years, making their success rate better than non-natives. Reasons for adding them to your garden include:

• Preserve bio-diversity
• Save water
• Need little or no fertilizer
• More resistant to pests and diseases
• Home for local wildlife
  

OUTDOOR ACTIVITY

Research indicates that “grass and trees in outdoor spaces increase the use and social activity in outdoor places.” The paper “The fruit of urban nature: Vital Neighborhood spaces” by William Sullivan Frances Kuo and Stephen DePooter (2004) indicates that grass and trees “contribute to the social cohesiveness and vitality of a neighborhood.” This makes sense, because we know that people will gather in friendly nature-specific environments, as opposed to areas paved with asphalt or concrete. A bench under a tree is more inviting and a welcoming place to meet.

RAISED PLANTERS

There are many advantages for adding raised planters to your garden. In addition to making access easier, you are able to control the soil that is used (especially in poor soil areas). Using a rot resistant wood, such as cedar, prolongs the life of the planter. Treated woods should not be used, especially if you plan to eat what is grown.

SPRING EQUINOX

The word Equinox comes from the Latin word aeguus for equal and nox for night. According to Wikipedia the Equinox occurs on “the 21st day of the last month of every quarter of the calendar year.” On this day “the center of the Sun will spend a nearly equal amount of time above and below the horizon at every location on Earth and night and day will be of nearly the same length. There are all kinds of traditions associated with this event. A favorite personal activity is to cut branches of forsythia and place them in a vase of warm water. This ’forces’ the plant to bloom earlier—bringing a welcome sign of Spring. You can also try branches from cherry trees, quince and other early flowering plants.

PRUNING ROSES

Early spring, when the buds begin to swell, is the optimal time to prune roses. Make the pruning cuts one quarter of an inch above an outward facing bud at the same angle of the bud. Pruning the interior will improve air circulation and prevent disease.

FLOWERING QUINCE

Chaenomeles sp. or Quince is an old ‘estate’ plant that seem to have disappeared. However, they are worth considering again. They are a flowering shrub that bursts with color in early spring. They like full sun and well drained soil. Taller varieties can grow up to 6 feet high. Shorter varieties such as Cameo and Jet Trail are 3 feet tall. Pruning helps to keep their size under control. They are also a good plant for forcing in early spring.

THE MOON

Farmers have been guided by the phases of the moon for the best times to plant. Plants are believed to grow faster and larger when planting is coordinated with the cycles of the moon. When the area of light on the lunar surface gradually begins to increase after a New Moon, this is the time to plant above-ground vegetables such as lettuce and peas. When the light after a Full Moon begins to decrease, this is the time to plant below-ground vegetables such as turnips and potatoes.

TIPS

In order to reduce the spread of diseases, be sure not to touch vegetable plants when they are wet from the morning dew, irrigation or rain, according to Barbara Bromley, Mercer County Horticulturalist.

"Gardening is an exercise in optimism.”
-- Anonymous

Green is great in 2008!

Horticultural Therapy Greenhouse Grants

The American Horticultural Therapy Association (AHTA) has an excellent grant program that is definitely worth checking out. Greenhouse Grants from the Douglas J. Schwartz Living Foundation provide SunPorch Greenhouses to facilities that use horticulture as a treatment modality.

The generosity and support of the Foundation enables organizations to continue their good works through winter months and to serve many more individuals than would otherwise have been possible. Grant-receiving organizations work with older adults, families at risk, abused children, those with head injuries and other physical and mental disabilities, and other populations.

A link to the grant application and related information can be found here.

Frequently Asked Questions: Therapeutic Gardens

Are gardens good for you?

Spending time outside in a garden has been shown to positively affect a person’s emotions and improve their sense of well-being. Access to nature has been shown to balance circadian rhythms, lower blood pressure, reduce stress and increase absorption of Vitamin D naturally. The important message is that nature is beneficial to our overall health and well-being. We are all connected to nature and it is important to maintain that vital connection.

Aren’t all gardens therapeutic?

While all natural settings have the potential to heal, therapeutic gardens are designed to meet specific physical, psychological, social and spiritual needs of certain patient populations. . Evidence-based studies guide the design of a garden based upon the best research that is available and show that therapeutic gardens improve patients’ quality of life and facilitate healing. Many times therapeutic gardens help to lower health care costs.

What are examples of therapeutic gardens?

Alzheimer’s gardens
Rehab gardens
Senior community gardens
Cancer patient therapeutic gardens
Meditation gardens
Residential gardens

What is an Alzheimer’s Garden?

Alzheimer’s Gardens, also known as dementia gardens and wander gardens, are customarily developed as part of senior residential communities and adult day care facilities. These gardens are specifically designed to meet the needs of individuals with memory impairment. Dementia gardens are enclosed spaces with smooth level pathways, non-glare surfaces, non-toxic and non-injurious plants, and familiar home-like features, such as wind chimes, birdbaths or a garden bench to sit on and enjoy the flowers. These garden features are very important because they have the potential to trigger positive emotions and memories from a person’s past. The smell of basil can elicit wonderful feelings of a family cooking Sunday dinner. Maybe fresh lavender placed in a bureau drawer will remind someone of a happy childhood. The use of familiar elements within a garden can have positive effects and help the person using the garden actively engage with the outdoor world around them.

Are healing gardens different?

‘“Healing gardens” are a type of therapeutic garden. Healing gardens are typically designed in partnership with specialized healthcare facilities, such as cancer centers, pediatric hospitals, and treatment centers for post traumatic stress disorders, to name a few.

What goes into designing a therapeutic garden?

Therapeutic gardens are ideally a collaborative effort. They are created by a team of healthcare professionals, caregivers and if appropriate, the patients or residents themselves, all lead by an experienced licensed landscape architect.

For more information, visit our website.

Do you find yourself asking...

"How do I update my garden?"

"Why aren't people using the garden?"

"Is my garden really therapeutic?"

"How can I get more hummingbirds and butterflies into the garden?"

"How do I maintain the garden?"

If you find yourself asking these questions -- you are in need of a professional evaluation of your garden. Let’s meet to review and create a plan to revitalize your existing garden.

For more information on how to make your garden work for you, email us at jcarman1@comcast.net or visit the contact page.

February 2008 Newsletter

NATIVE PLANTS

One of the aspects of gardens that is being discussed more and more is the idea of using native plants in the landscape. This falls under the heading of LEED, Sustainable Sites and other “green” concepts. Whatever the reason, people are more aware of the benefits of including native plants. These plants offer a better success rate because they are acclimated to the area and typically require less water that exotics (non-natives). There needs to be regional data bases that are a resource for the consumer. One site worth visiting is www.for-wild.org which promotes the use of natives in the landscape.

PLANT MORE TREES

A study conducted and published in Georgia Urban Forestry “Shady-Healthy Trees, Healthy Cities, Healthy People”, (2004) indicates that shoppers will stay longer in plazas that have trees. Well, it should not be too much of a stretch to include parks, patios and even our own yard. We know that trees offer protection from the sun, are up to 10 degrees cooler underneath the canopy, increase property values and purify the air we breathe. Adding trees to the landscape might just help increase socialization by making people stop and visit a little while longer.

DEADHEAD

Deadheading is the gardening practice of removing spent flowers and seedpods. This is done for aesthetic reasons—keeping the dead flowers from detracting from the garden. Deadheading can also stimulate some plants to keep blooming longer, such as Stella de Oro daylilies, Knock-out shrub roses. Remember to leave the foliage and just remove the flowers. However, some plants, like Coneflowers, that retain their spent flowers are attractive to birds and butterflies as a food source. Prune wisely.

COUNTING BIRDS

The 11th annual bird census takes place between February 15 thru the 18th this year. You can participate by going to www.birdsource.org/gbbc for more information. The web site contains a checklist of species.

GARDEN AIDS

Ergonomic comfort grips are a help to any gardener who is affected by arthritis or limited hand strength. The grips are neoprene pads that offer additional gripping support. They can be used on rakes, wheel barrow handles and other gardening tools. They are available from Gardener’s Supply at 1-888-833-1412 or www.gardeners.com.

TAKE NOTES

A note pad is not a bad thing to carry along as you travel about. It can be useful to remind you of a particular ornamental trees and shrubs we may want to add to our garden. Redbud, Fragrant Spice Viburnum, Magnolia and Cherry are just a few examples of some of the early blooming plants. These trees are great because they have a fragrance that will welcome you into the yard.

HABITAT

Creating a bird friendly environment in your yard will help attract these winged friends to stay longer. Some general guidelines include eliminating pesticides, making sure that cats are not attacking the birds along with creating the right mix of food, water, shelter and a place to build a nest in your yard. This involves incorporating feeders, birdhouses, birdbaths and plants. Evergreen and deciduous trees provide a place where birds can perch, sleep for the night, hide from predators and escape bad weather. The National Audubon Society’s publication “The Audubon Society Guide to Attracting Birds” offers helpful information.

FEB 2nd

Ground Hog Day marks the middle of winter. After Feb. 2nd we are half way to spring. The significance of the day is not so much whether the ground hog sees his shadow, he is actually waking up to find a mate. The date marks six more weeks of winter. Take heart - March 20th is not that far away!

"In the spring, at the end of the day, you should smell like dirt.”
-- Margaret Atwood

Green is great in 2008!

"Walking to Maintain and Improve Health: How the Integration of Sidewalks and Walking Paths in Senior Communities Promotes Successful Aging"

People walk throughout their lives and the ability of older adults to walk in safe, secure environments should be a natural part of the aging process. It is essential for the health and well-being of seniors that walking remains an essential component of their daily lives. Providing access to walking paths, nature trails, and neighbor­hood sidewalks should be mandatory in maintaining independence and the ability to age in place. The integration of sidewalks throughout a community helps people stay healthy, socially connected, and maintain control of their lives.

(This article appears in Seniors Housing Care Journal, Vol. 15, No. 1, 2007)

Friends Village at Woodstown

“Friends Village and Woodstown features a therapeutic garden designed by renouned landscape architect, Jack Carmen. The garden features an area for cultivating vegetables, raised planters to make gardening more accessible, a water fountain, walking paths, benches and flowering plants.”

Read more about how this not-for-profit retirement community takes advantage of its therapeutic garden to provide quality care.

Rembering a good friend

I want to offer this time to remember a good friend and colleague, Jean Kavanaugh. She was a pioneer in the development of Therapeutic Gardens and instrumental in the collaboration between the American Society of Landscape Architects and the American Horticultural Therapy Association. Jean served as a member of the Executive Board of AHTA for many years. She was actively involved in ASLA and AHTA in many ways. Jean’s endeavors helped raise awareness of the importance of the development and use of Therapeutic Gardens. She tirelessly worked to promote the importance of Therapeutic gardens and to also evaluate their effectiveness through research. She will be missed by many people and in many ways. The following is taken from her obituary.

.

Jean Stephans Kavanagh of Lubbock, TX, a native of Forest Hills, age 61, died peacefully after a brief battle with cancer on Friday, January 25, 2008. Jean was the daughter of the late Rita P.(Nehrig) and John G. Stephans. Beloved mother of Douglas Camann. Jean studied Architecture at Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh PA from 1964 - 1969. She received her Bachelor of Science in Landscape Architecture in 1976 and her Masters of Landscape Architecture in 1982 from Cornell University, Ithaca NY. Jean was an Associate Professor in the Department of Landscape Architecture at Texas Tech University, Lubbock TX. She joined the department in 1990 after teaching Landscape Architecture at the University of Massachusetts-Amherst ('82-'89). She was active in community and professional outreach and has served as an officer of the Texas Chapter of the ASLA, the Horticultural Therapy Association, Sigma Lambda Alpha National Landscape Architecture Honor Society, and the Council of Educators in Landscape Architecture (CELA). Jean pioneered in the study of the design of therapeutic landscapes in the United States. In 1995, she was recognized as one of the top women in Landscape Architecture. During the Centennial ASLA Meeting in Boston, MA, in 1999, she was inducted into the College of Fellows of the ASLA in recognition of her efforts in this area of research. The family requests Memorial Donations be made to Texas Tech Foundation (Jean Stephans Kavanagh Endowment), P.O. Box 42123, Lubbock TX 79409 or, Maryknoll Missionaries, in care of Robert V. Nehrig, P.O. Box 304, Maryknoll, NY 10545.

Gardens That Heal

"The back porch garden at Medford Leas community center wasn’t much to look at before Jack Carman came along."

"Residents and employees at the continuing-care facility rarely ventured into the barren courtyard. The only thing to look at was some air-conditioning and maintenance equipment."

"Last year, the outdoor space got a makeover, thanks to Carman, a Medford landscape architect who specializes in designing therapeutic gardens for the elderly."

To continue, read the full-text of a May 2002 article appearing in The Courier Post reprinted with permission at my website.

Retirement Living @ Cathedral Village: Part 2

Click to play video.

Featuring Nancy Carman,

Design for Generations, LLC
4:50

Re-Creating ‘The Backyard’ in Senior Communities

Outdoor areas designed to meet the needs of residents, especially those with special needs, can help these older adults feel at home.

If asked to choose an outdoor environment in which you feel comfortable spending time, would you, like many people, say your backyard? Think back to when you were growing up. Did you play with friends in your backyard? Were there picnics and barbeques with friends and neighbors?

Did you have a garden where you grew vegetables with your grandfather or raised roses with your grandmother? These are great memories that you might try to re-create whenever possible in the places you live.

Adults moving into senior communities should also enjoy examples of gardens and landscapes they have experienced in their lifetimes. People can relate to these environments on many levels (e.g., physical, emotional, or spiritual) and through these settings recall pleasant memories. This helps confirm a new residence as home-like.

Moreover, the health benefits produced from interacting with nature, either passively or actively, are extensive.

To continue, read the full-text of my Jan./Feb. 2006 article appearing in The Journal on Active Aging reprinted with permission at my website.

Healing Gardens: 10 Questions & Answers

In a recent issue of SJ magazine, Nicole Pensiero asked me 10 questions about Healing Gardens:

1. How do you explain landscape architecture?

2. What drew you to landscape architecture?

3. How did you become interested in therapeutic gardens?

4. What specifically makes a garden therapeutic or healing?

To read the rest of Nicole’s questions and review my answers, access the reprint of the article at my website.

January 2008 Newsletter

GARDEN WALKS

We have been told, by our parents, doctors and countless articles—that exercise is good for us. It helps to break down the hormones and other chemicals that build up during periods of intense stress. The Government and others tell us that we should exercise 30 minutes a day and this can seem like a chore to some. Well, why not make it fun? Walking is one of the simple and easiest forms of exercise. And we all like to socialize. Then, why not take walks with a friend? Schedule a time to meet, in the morning before the day gets started, at lunch or at the end of the day when things are winding down. And—plan to walk in the park, through the garden or any other nicely landscaped area that provides a positive distraction. After all, it has been proven that nature can take our mind off of our ills. This is a recipe for exercise for the new year. Take once a day, everyday!

“Autumn arrives in the early morning, but spring at the close of a winter day.”
-- Elizabeth Bowen

PLANT TREES

Did you know that planting trees near a building can help to reduce summer air conditioning costs by as much as 50% or more? Trees not only keep people cooler, they can cool a building too. Now is the time to plant.

IMPROVED MOOD

OK. We know that looking at flowers can change a person’s attitude and improve one’s mood. People who made point of looking at flowers in the morning have indicated that they felt better and had more energy throughout the day. So, why not take a few simple steps to make this happen for your self and possibly others? Try this:

• Place a hanging basket outside your window or a flowering plant on your desk
  
• Arrange for flowers to be sent to yourself once a month
  
• Practice random acts of sending flowers to others
  
• Plant more flowers in your garden
  
• Pick wildflowers
  
• Place a container of flowers outside the front door
  

VIOLETS

African violets are an easy plant to take care of. I remember my grandmother tending to hers every Saturday morning—feeding and watering them. They did surprisingly well during the cold months. They need bright, indirect light and places away from drafts and heating vents. The soil should be well drained and kept slightly moist. In return work this minimal care, Violets will provide a colorful display of flowers throughout the year.

WINTER SHRUBS

The winter landscape can appear somewhat monotone in colors. It doesn’t have to be that way. You can add plants that provide color during the winter months. Winterberry Holly has berries that stand out in the distance. Red Twig and Yellow Twig Dogwood have vibrant colored branches. Coral Bark Maples have multicolored bark. The exfoliating bark of the River Birch stands out in the garden. And Witch Hazel blooms in January. These are a few ideas of a few of the many trees and shrubs that can be added to the garden for an interesting winter look.

A GOOD BOOK

This is the time of year to settle in with a good book, of the gardening kind. Thinking about what to add is always fun. Keep in mind layers. Does it attract nature into the garden, offer seasonal interest throughout the year, is useful in cooking or crafts, provide fragrance and is non-invasive? Few plants can answer all of these questions. However, take a close look and see if the plant you order has several functions.

BLOGS

We are entering into another realm of the web by starting a Blog. You can find it here at http://gardening-for-wellness.blogspot.com -- take a look and see what you think. It will offer a way to keep in touch more frequently and provide additional information on gardens.

Green is great in 2008!

ABOUT US

Nancy Carman, MA, CMC—Editor. For further information on how to design, develop and care for Therapeutic Gardens and outdoor environments, call 609-953-5881,
email us at jpcarman1@comcast.net or visit www.designforgenerations.com.

Retirement Living @ Cathedral Village: Part 1

Click to play video.

Featuring Jack Carman,

Design for Generations, LLC
1:27

Welcome to Design for Generations

My name is Jack Carman, FASLA. Welcome to our new Design for Generations blog.

As owner, founder, and president of Design for Generations, LLC, I have more than 20 years of experience as a landscape architect. I’m a nationally recognized expert in the design of therapeutic gardens, particularly Alzheimer’s gardens and outdoor environments for senior living communities.

Services: Design for Generations, LLC is a landscape architecture firm specializing in the design and development of therapeutic gardens and landscapes. Located in southern New Jersey, Design for Generations, LLC works with clients throughout the United States. I approach landscape design with the belief that outdoor environments should communicate to our physical, psychological, social and spiritual needs.

Philosophy: The goal of each and every garden is to meet the physical, social, psychological and spiritual needs of individuals enjoying the garden. The existing site conditions are analyzed and design conditions are created in order to promote a positive quality of life. The design of the outdoor environment should be in harmony with and take advantage of nature’s beauty and restorative powers.

Licensure includes:
Certified Landscape Architect - New Jersey # AS 00658
Professional Planner - New Jersey # LI 05273
Registered Landscape Architect - Delaware # SI- Orla 231
Registered Landscape Architect - Pennsylvania # LA - 001403-R
Registered Landscape Architect - New York #001714-1
Registered Landscape Architect - Oregon #LA 574
Certified Landscape Architect - Virginia # AS 001233

For additional information about Design for Generations, please connect to our website or contact us today.