3 minute read
News from BGEN: seniors are ‘blooming’ in a new garden therapy program at Botanic Gardens of Sydney
Colleen Fitzgerald, Learning Manager and Tess Jones, Learning Officer, Botanic Gardens of Sydney
The therapeutic benefits of gardening have been documented for over 200 years and known for a millennium or more. Examples abound of the positive effects of therapeutic horticulture on people experiencing physical or cognitive disability, psychological injury, brain injury, poor mental health, social isolation, dementia, cardio-vascular disease and more (1). Botanic gardens educators regularly observe close up the positive impacts of gardens and immersive, nature-based learning on behaviour and engagement.
When St Luke’s Care, Potts Point approached Botanic Gardens of Sydney education team with a proposal to co-develop a nature-based therapy program for residents with a dementia diagnosis, educators embraced this great opportunity. Eager to share their expertise and love of nature, they also embarked on a learning journey, observing at close hand how time spent in nature — facilitated by botanic gardens staff — could enrich the mental, physical, and emotional health of residents living with dementia. Together, St Luke’s and Botanic Gardens of Sydney created themes and activities to be delivered in 2-hour sessions at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Sydney, over several weeks.
The program is designed to stimulate the senses, enhance fine/gross motor skills, create calming and positive associations and where possible, to meet the specific needs and interests of the pilot group.
Currently in the pilot’s fourth phase (spring and summer 2022, autumn and summer 2023), Botanic Gardens of Sydney and St Luke’s agree that their collaboration has exceeded expectations, with participants demonstrating improved mental health, motivation, and social engagement. Over six weeks, the Full Bloom Garden Therapy program introduces participants and carers to the botanic gardens’ living collections and provides opportunities for hands-on gardening activities, immersive walks and tours with volunteers and First Nations educators. Importantly, each week also provides participants living with dementia and their carers with an opportunity to connect with others through a shared love of plants, gardening and time spent immersed in nature. In 2024, the Full Bloom program will move from pilot to regular programming, offering more senior visitors the opportunity to bloom as they are immersed in the natural wonders of the Botanic Gardens of Sydney.
1 Spano, G, D'Este, M, Giannico, V et al. (2020) Are community gardening and horticultural interventions beneficial for psychosocial well-being? A meta-analysis International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17(10): 3584.
