The term “Giardini Terapeutici” (Healing Gardens) defines green spaces, often annexed to hospitals or rehabilitation facilities, residences for the elderly and other similar realities, designed with the aim of improving and promoting both the health and well-being of its users. . These gardens are carefully designed taking into account the needs of the people they are intended for.

The therapeutic gardens are created with the aim of improving the psycho-physical health of their visitors both actively, i.e. engaging the user through activities within the garden such as garden therapy or gardening, and passively, i.e. through the sensory stimulation. The latter can take place, for example, by inserting vegetable essences with colored and fragrant blooms, arranging rest areas or contemplation with suggestive views, using plant species in such a way as to attract the useful insects of the garden, butterflies, birds, squirrels, or even through the inclusion of elements such as water or objects that stimulate the memories of the people who live in the garden.

In addition to what has already been anticipated, the design of these spaces must aim to make the garden as evocative and animated as possible. In fact, the right choice of tree and shrub species can help create an environment capable of arousing emotions in its visitors throughout the year. Another trick is to avoid the use of toxic essences and to prefer that of native species.

In addition to the careful choice of vegetation, depending on the pathologies and age of its users, particular attention will also be given to the size and shapes to be inserted inside the garden.

In Italy, therapeutic gardens are still not very present, even if in recent years there are several public and private structures that are moving to create green areas with curative purposes.