landscape design

A growing body of evidence suggests that gardens provide a soothing environment that helps patients and staff alike cope with stress. Spending fifteen minutes in a garden reduces anxiety, lowers blood pressure and eases pain. In fact, clinical studies have shown that patients who can see gardens from their windows have fewer minor complications, fewer negative evaluations in nurses’ notes and shorter stays. For staff, and nurses in particular, gardens can reduce absenteeism, lower turnover and attract qualified employees.

Different patients need different interactions with landscape designs. Chemotherapy patients, for instance, can’t tolerate smells, so their gardens feature ferns, hostas and other unscented foliage. Our children’s gardens are splashed with color and offer more interactivity, such as landforms with gently sloping slides. The gardens we design for assisted living and Alzheimer’s facilities allow patients to work with plants and soil, a nostalgic activity they find deeply satisfying. Regardless of their intended use, these gardens are designed for simple care and maintenance.

To learn more about our work in landscape design, and how it improves both patient satisfaction and staff productivity, email Michael Nelon, our landscape design specialist, at gmnelon@bainc.com.