Neurological Rehabilitation Clinic (Est 1993)
Located on the edge of the stunning Medieval Village of Hattingen, in North Rhine-Westphalia for over 30 years, the verdant setting of the Vitrea Klinik for all ages has it firmly nestled in the environs and benefits of Garden Therapy.
At more than 150,000m2, the site sits adjacent to forest and field areas, expanding the borrowed landscape for the around 270 patients (c. 70 of which are children). The buildings offer various nooks and larger garden rooms, including a polytunnel, playground and an astronomical inspired garden and forest walk that leads you through much of the site while exploring our solar system.
Garden Therapy is undertaken both individually and in groups, both outdoors in inside the greenhouse / polutunnel. This has a more recent neighbouring addition in the form of a separate walled garden space, created, built and gardened by the younger patients who can access this as a place of respite at any time. (The space even has its own Instagram account @erd_und_beere via the Garden Therapist lead.) A team of 3 staff accompany patients through their diverse needs and therapeutic, supportive activities that are collaborations with the Allied Health (Physio, Occupational Therapy) and medical staff. Thank you for the time to hang out with the staff, patients and in the grounds generally!
Wide walkways lead patients, visitors and staff throughout the entire Clinic landscape.
Plantings are well established and varied throughout, creating a green landscape wherever one looks.
The Playground near the children's wards.
Playground from the other direction.
The 'erd und beere' garden, created by the adolescent cohort of patients at the clinic in collaboration with the Garden Therapists.
Patients have created not only the 'beach basket' in the previous pic, but green walls and decorative items for their garden - a true showcase of its participants / users.
The Greenhouse (poly-tunnel) where all the propagation happens.
Plants for testing and experiencing outside the Greenhouse.
A small section of the astronomical walk of the grounds.
Planted refuge and enclosure within the broader clinic grounds - a space to explore and experience.
A tactile walking experience that rehabilitates balance and the challenges of varying walking surfaces.
The Garden Therapy trolley that allows activities to be brought right to the patients' bedsides.