How to Design a Therapeutic Garden
36 €
- Number of lessons and duration: 16 lessons / 3h approx.
- 1 hour of video recordings
- Online and at your own pace
- 20 downloadable materials
- English, Spanish, Italian, Polish
- Subtitles: English, Spanish, Italian, Polish
- 1-year access
The Therapeutic Garden Design course is a programme designed to provide learners with the skills to create healing environments through art, nature, and community building.
The Therapeutic Garden Design course is a comprehensive programme designed to provide learners with the skills to create healing environments through art, nature, and community building. The course covers the principles of therapeutic garden design, including how to choose appropriate plants, materials, and structures, as well as how to incorporate art and music into the garden. From accessibility and safety to sensory stimulation and cultural sensitivity, you will learn how to design and evaluate therapeutic gardens that promote nature connection, social engagement, and personal growth for diverse populations.
What bonus benefits do I get with this course?
- Certification in Therapeutic Garden Design.
- 1-year access to expert lectures on FTHub: 40 hours of additional live online content offered by international experts.
- This mini-course together with an additional inscription in 2 other mini-courses qualifies you to apply for an FTHub 3-day In-person Immersive Training in Nature.
What will you learn?
In this course, you will learn introductory tools on how to design therapeutic gardens that enhance nature connection, improve physical and mental health, increase social engagement, and promote relaxation and stress reduction.
Who is this course for?
This course is suitable for a wide range of professionals, including gardeners, healthcare professionals, occupational therapists, social workers, and anyone interested in learning about the design and benefits of therapeutic gardens.
MODULE 1: INTRODUCTION TO THERAPEUTIC GARDENS
Lesson 1: What is a therapeutic garden?
Definition and purpose of a therapeutic garden. You will also be introduced to the different types of therapeutic gardens that exist.
Lesson 2: The key principle of therapeutic gardens
The various benefits that therapeutic gardens provide. You will explore the different ways that nature can promote healing, relaxation, and well-being.
Lesson 3: Design Elements for therapeutic spaces
Lesson 4: Examples of successful therapeutic gardens
MODULE 2: DESIGNING A THERAPEUTIC GARDEN
Lesson 1: Assessing the site and its context
The importance of site assessment and how it informs the design of a therapeutic garden. You will explore the different factors that influence the design of a therapeutic garden, including location, climate, and user needs.
Lesson 2: Choosing plants and materials
The importance of plant selection and how it affects the function and aesthetics of a therapeutic garden. You will explore the different types of plants and materials that can be used in therapeutic garden design and their unique benefits.
Lesson 3: Creating spaces for relaxation and reflection
The importance of creating spaces for relaxation and reflection within a therapeutic garden. You will explore various design strategies for creating these spaces, including the use of seating, water features, and natural elements.
Lesson 4: Incorporating sensory elements
The importance of incorporating sensory elements into therapeutic garden design. You will explore the different senses that can be stimulated through garden design, including sight, sound, smell, and touch.
MODULE 3: IMPLEMENTING A THERAPEUTIC GARDEN
Lesson 1: Building and construction considerations
The different considerations that go into building and constructing a therapeutic garden. You will explore various construction materials and techniques, as well as safety considerations for garden users.
Lesson 2: Maintenance and upkeep
The importance of maintenance and upkeep in a therapeutic garden. You will explore various maintenance strategies, including pruning, watering, and fertilising, as well as how to address common garden problems.
Lesson 3: Safety and accessibility
The importance of safety and accessibility. You will explore various design strategies for ensuring garden safety, including the use of non-slip surfaces and wheelchair-accessible paths.
Lesson 4: Engaging community and stakeholders
The importance of engaging the community and stakeholders in the design and implementation of a therapeutic garden. You will explore various strategies for building community partnerships, promoting garden use, and securing funding.
MODULE 4: MAXIMISING THE THERAPEUTIC BENEFITS
Lesson 1: Understanding the needs of diverse populations
The importance of understanding the needs of diverse populations when designing a therapeutic garden. You will explore various cultural, social, and economic factors that influence garden use and learn strategies for designing gardens that meet diverse user needs.
Lesson 2: Creating activities for engagement and healing
The importance of creating activities that engage and promote healing. You will explore various activity ideas that incorporate nature, art, and mindfulness.
Lesson 3: Incorporating art and music
The role of art and music in therapeutic garden design. You will explore various ways to incorporate art and music into garden design and learn about the benefits of these elements for garden users.
Lesson 4: Evaluating the success of a therapeutic garden
The importance of evaluating the success of a therapeutic garden. You will explore various evaluation methods, including user surveys and observational studies, and learn how to use evaluation data to improve garden design and use.
