"...one of the most important features of integrative medicine

is its reconnection to nature as the source of healing."   ~ Dr. Andrew Weil

Restorative Gardens link human health to the vitality of nature in a mutually-beneficial partnership.  Found in acute or chronic  inpatient and outpatient centers, Restorative Gardens can range in complexity and scale from a collection of indoor or outdoor containers to roof gardens and greater outdoor landscapes.

Integrating principles of ecological design and medical research on human wellness, these gardens are designed to meet the physical, psychological, and social needs of patients and their caregivers.  The health benefits of these gardens, however, extend beyond the garden walls to include the wider institution, the surrounding communities, and the living landscape.

Recent research recognizes the potential for Restorative Gardens in schools, housing projects, community gardens, public parks, open spaces to positively affect health and well-being (Louv, Kuo, Sullivan, Taylor, Wells).