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Part of the impetus for sharing my research from RESTORE resulted from there existing a limited number of books on this broader subject. And certainly none that had an Australian (or Southern Hemisphere) focus. The book summaries below are great resources that more specific academic studies have built upon.

Therapeutic Gardens – Design for Healing Spaces by Winterbottom & Wagenfeld (2015 / 2026) RECOMMENDED

Comprehensive and detailed exploration of the design process through a collection of varying typologies of Healthcare Gardens, predominantly within the United States and the UK. With chapter headings focussing on collaborative design through to Maintenance, design considerations are explained with short case studies provided (including plans) as examples.

Easy format to follow and typology specific, it provides a strong overview and good reference for specific garden types and considerations such as hardscaping costs.

(Typologies: Gardens for Movement and Physical Rehabilitation (2026 – Physical Activity and Rehabilitation); Gardens for Solace and Comfort; Learning Gardens; Sensory Gardens; Community Gardens.)

Note: Daniel Winterbottom is a Landscape Architect / Professor; Amy Wagenfeld is an Occupational Therapist / Affiliate Associate Professor (I have only viewed the 2015 Edition, with the latest Edition having been released in 2026)

Therapeutic Landscapes – An Evidence-based Approach to Designing Healing Gardens and Restorative Outdoor Spaces by Cooper Marcus & Sachs (2014) RECOMMENDED

Comprehensive overview of varying typologies of therapeutic landscapes, predominantly based in the United States. Covers a general introduction to the topic from “History of Hospital Outdoor Spaces” and the research involved, through to the Design Process and Design Guidelines for 10 different typologies of Healthcare Gardens. Finishing with a look into maintenance, sustainability, funding and evaluation of such healthcare gardens.

Easy format for use with headings and sub-headings providing structure within a myriad of Case Studies. Plenty of photos throughout with specific Reference Lists at the end of each Chapter and some garden plans provided.

(Typologies: General; Children’s Hospitals; Cancer Care; Frail Elderly Care; Dementia Gardens; Hospices; Mental & Behavioural Facilities; Veterans; Rehabilitation; Public Spaces and Horticultural Therapy.)

Note: Dr Clare Cooper Marcus sadly passed in early 2026, with a final memoir titled “Groundbreaking: Me Life As an Academic Trailblazer, Mother, and Gardener” released in May 2026; Naomi A. Sachs appears to have based her PhD on creating a Post-Occupancy Evaluation Tool, which has been further developed and now titled “GATE” – Garden Assessment Tool for Evaluators (LINK to 2026 Paper)

Healing Gardens – Therapeutic Benefits and Design Recommendations by Cooper Marcus & Barnes (1998)

Comprehensive and detailed collection of varying typologies of Healthcare Gardens, predominantly within the United States and the UK. Divided into chapters written by experts in specialised fields, it covers the introduction and history of the field, broader discussion of relevant background concepts and then provides Design Guidelines within the separate typologies. Case studies feature throughout the each of the typological chapters, with b/w photos and garden plans provided for many.

Headings, sub-headings and bold highlight text makes the in-depth information easy to navigate, with references provided at the rear of each chapter. Concludes with a chapter on “Getting it Done”.

(Typologies: Acute Care General Hospitals; Psychiatric Hospitals; Children’s Gardens; Nursing Homes; Alzheimer’s Care and Hospices.)

Restorative Gardens – The Healing Landscape by Gerlach Spriggs, Kaufman & Warner (1998)

An investigation of Restorative Landscapes through a series of United States case studies as separate chapters. Beginning with an introduction to the topic, including a clear and detailed history of gardens within Healthcare, it showcases sites of interest and concludes with concepts for contemporary design.

Each case study is covered from history through to 1998, accompanied by photos and at least one plan of the site. Slightly inconsistent sub-headings structure the case studies with focus on the Gardens, a Sense of Place and particular locations / qualities of each site being discussed in detail.

(Typologies: Rehabilitation; Elderly Care; Hospice; Mental Health Hospital and two large community hospitals.)

The Healing Landscape – Therapeutic Outdoor Environments by Tyson (1998)

Martha Tyson’s approach is quite different to the above books, being structured around the Design Process of Investigate – Design – Build – Evaluate, which make up the four chapters of the book. With an Introduction to the topic more broadly, each chapter is structured through sub-headings that guide the reader through that particular stage of the Process. (Interestingly, the design chapter focuses on “Design Patterns” from Alexander et al 1977 “A Pattern Language”, which is predominantly based on built environments / architecture.)

Chapters are clearly structured through subheadings, highlighted terms, a myriad of hand sketches as well as plans and b/w photos. Whilst some case studies are included, the information is predominantly generic or principles-based in nature.

An Appendix provides pro-forma for a detailed Questionnaires as a starting point.

(Typologies: Focus on various examples of Dementia Care.)

PODCASTS:

Some of you may like to listen as well as read, so the following are some Podcasts that relate to the broader topics of nature-connection, restorative or therapeutic green spaces, therapeutic horticulture and more. MORE INFO ABOUT EACH SHOW IS COMING SOON…Thanks for your patience!

CULTIVATING PLACE - Jennifer Jewel (USA) RECOMMENDED

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ROOTS AND ALL - Sarah Wilson (UK) RECOMMENDED

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FUTURESTEADING - Jade Miles (AUS) RECOMMENDED

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99% Invisible (USA) RECOMMENDED

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THE SENTIMENTAL GARDENER - Cass Dowding (AUS) RECOMMENDED

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HOMING - Matt Gibbend (UK)

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IN DEFENSE OF PLANTS - Matt Candeias (USA)

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PEOPLE FIXING THE WORLD - BBC World Services (UK)

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THE GARDEN DESIGN CONFESSIONAL - Darren Hawkes (UK)

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The views shared here are those of the author only, they are open to change as new information and learning evolves. They are shared here as a means of learning and growing together. With an underlying approach of kindness and empathy, please share feedback or concerns in a respectful manner

2025 humanaturescapes