Figure 1-3Marie Curie Cancer Care, Bradford, U.K

Figure 1-3Marie Curie Cancer Care, Bradford, U.K.

The discussion around the incorporation of nature in the hospice environment was introduced as a contrast to the hi-tech environment of the mega hospitals. The images above are of Modern Hospice Gardens and they adhere to the idea that proximity and exposure to outdoor elements have immense impact on general well-being.

While designing these gardens, the constraints of accessibility, space constraints, skilled labour availability are the issues that usually arise. And as explained further, these institutions also require provision for small scale commemoration and symbolic representation of inhabitants. This results in the need for a new type of garden arrangement incorporating memorial landscape and therapeutic gardens.

Recently, however, the influence of Gardens and Horticulture has gained recognition in the form of formal research. Roger Ulrich’s research in 1984 established how patients with simply an access to the view of natural outdoors required low doses of medication for pain and recovered faster.

The engagement of the residents in the viewing or maintenance of the Garden has a multifold impact on general well-being. While taking care of plants and saplings provides a sense of engagement and purpose. This also enhances observation skills and self-esteem. The attention span and introspection also improve. Group activity and mutual interaction is also facilitated in these nurturing environments. Adapting of saplings by recovering individuals reverses dependency and is a wonderful way of battling redundancy. Similarly, simple formations, favourite spots can add layers of memories and recreational habits in an otherwise new or unknown environment. Even more widely observed is the sense of reassurance non-human living objects or natural elements provide for stress release and emotional expression. Small walks, assisted or otherwise, sunbathing, or even observing fauna can be not just distracting, but highly boosting for mental health.

The standing feature of such setups also to facilitate exchange of knowledge about life skills and coping mechanisms. These environments provide a better platform for one on one