A bit of inspiration...

Recently got in touch with the lead garden designer of one of the Maggies Cancer Centres in the UK, she was a doctor before becoming a designer so i thought she would be ideal to get some advice on my healing garden from, but didn't really expect a reply. But she did reply and was really helpful and had some interesting thoughts so i thought i'd share it on here...

 

 

Hello Sam,

Your assignment for Metis sounds very exciting and thank you for the comments on Maggie's Cheltenham which was a learning curve for me. There is quite a bit of literature on the market on 'healing' gardens and I suggest you do some internet research which I'm sure you have already started.

I have been helping several students write theses on healing gardens and it has been interesting to hear the results from their questionnaires about the garden handed to visitors at the cancer caring centres. The general opinion is they talk mostly about large structures (sculptures or trees ) in the garden which could hardly be defined as 'healing' but rather something that stimulates conversation between visitors which takes their mind off their problem (s).

A healing garden also needs to be calming and relaxing and the colour green is considered the most relaxing colour in the spectrum – at Maggie's Cheltenham I designed little grassed mounds at the entrance the purpose of which was to create such an atmosphere – and it seems to work. The sound of water also has relaxing qualities so I would suggest including this in your design. Most visitors also appreciate colourful plants. Plenty of seating areas.

Hope these few suggestions help and good luck!

With best wishes

Christine