Urban parks, nature preserves, gardens, and other types of green space are good medicine. They provide us with opportunities to encounter the restorative power of nature. Forty years of scientific experiments have shown contact with “nature,” defined as “the world of living things,” relieves stress, refreshes fatigued brains, lowers blood pressure, eases depression, and often results in a more positive view of life. Remarkably many of these positive benefits can occur within 15 minutes after one enters a park or nature preserve.

Humans have created restorative spaces for thousands of years, drawing upon their intuition, aesthetic sensibility, and historical precedent. Examples include ancient Egyptian villa gardens, Assyrian parks, medieval monastic gardens, Chinese scholar gardens and 19th century urban park systems. My grandmother relied on her intuition and folk tradition when she created her flower garden and enlivened it with a flock of guinea hens to control pests. Tending it produced for her a great feeling of calm.

Today scientific studies are an important supplement to intuitive design and the use of historical precedent. Such studies can pinpoint which specific elements in an existing garden or park are likely to evoke an especially strong sense of well- being. Designers can take note and include similar features in their future work. The result is that now the creation of spaces that relieve stress and refresh the mind has become a rich blend of artistic creativity, historical precedent, and scientific knowledge. The scientific ingredient in the blend has its limitations. One can precisely measure the potential effects of a particular design detail, such as its lowering of blood pressure. However one cannot prove the design feature “caused” it. There are just too many variables involved, and there is still a lot we don’t understand about the mind-body relationship. A much cited 1984 study by social scientist Roger Ulrich, revealed hospital patients with a window view of a group of trees, when compared to those who gazed at a brick wall, healed quicker, took less pain medicine, and complained less. However, Ulrich made it clear he had not proved the trees caused the health benefits. He suggested there was a strong “correlation” between the two and called for more studies to confirm his results. In the 42 years since Ulrich’s experiment, researchers have discovered many additional design features that are restorative, but their work also does not prove causality. However, just because we do not know why these features work we can clearly observe and measure their positive benefits. Thus designers do not hesitate to make use of them. Aspirin was developed in a stable usable form in 1897 but scientists did not understand why it was effective until 70 years later. Meanwhile physicians had the good sense to continue to prescribe it for their patients’ benefit.

What are some examples of specific design features in parks, gardens, or other types of green space that correlate with beneficial health results? Such spaces provide rich multi-sensual experiences by including such elements as stones one can touch, leaves that rustle in the wind, vivid Spring and Fall color, pleasant odors like that of an evergreen forest, and the pleasing flavors of edible plants. As these examples indicate, a lush planting design exhibiting many varieties is one of the most effective ways to evoke a multi-sensual experience. In addition, buildings constructed primarily of wood and stone have been shown to be calming. Also path systems and the outdoor rooms they connect should display a delicate balance of order and complexity lest the design become too boring or confusing. Trail systems offering surprise and discovery add an element of restorative delight. Frequent contact with water features is quite calming as are spaces for quiet reflection and other types of contemplative practice. In addition places for social gathering are important since they mitigate the loneliness afflicting so many in our culture today that has been proven to be especially detrimental to health. Design details that create a sense of welcome and safety are essential. They include spacious well-marked entrances and imaginative but safe play areas utilizing natural materials. Gathering spaces for educational programs that encourage hands-on engagement with nature foster calm and delight. It is especially important the design address the needs and interests of a wide range of ethnicities and age groups. Also it should be accessible, as much as possible, for those with disabilities.

The plan of the 15-acre Botanical Garden of the Piedmont, which includes input from the public, contains many restorative features. The garden at present is quite active with a host of engaging educational activities and civic events, but its future plan when completed will transform it into an even more outstanding restorative landscape. The alchemy begins this Fall when construction gets underway.

The future garden will contain a lush and varied planting plan featuring the native plants of the Piedmont Region, a trail system offering opportunities for discovery and surprise, and social gathering spaces for weddings, educational events, civic rituals, concerts, and dramatic performances. Quiet areas for contemplation and yoga are included along with a labyrinth for walking meditation. A reflection pond and simulation of a typical Blue Ridge mountain stream will provide access to the restorative power of water as does a rehabilitated spring-fed creek bisecting the site. Visitors will be able to explore a rich variety of ecosystems, including restored upland forests, wetlands, meadows, and stream corridors, a veritable banquet of nature’s diversity. Principal buildings will be constructed as much as possible of wood and stone.

In addition to its restorative features the botanical garden will offer the public an example of an informed, effective and ethically responsible treatment of the natural environment. Buildings will be provided with solar panels, and the site’s drainage system is designed to collect and purify runoff so it can be used for irrigation. Most construction materials are sourced from a distance of no more than 500 miles, and garden maintenance is performed using electric tools.

The Botanical Garden of the Piedmont when completed will be a unique urban garden offering a host of benefits for Charlottesville and central Virginia. Its design features are based on the latest scientific knowledge regarding restorative environments, and it will substantially contribute to the health and well-being of those who visit it. However it will offer more than health benefits to individuals. The conservation ethic embodied in its design will suggest ways the health of the natural environment of our entire region can be improved by good environmental stewardship. Hopefully this will inspire us to act accordingly, for our individual health is inextricably intertwined with the health of our natural environment.

About the Author:
Reuben Rainey is a retired professor in the Department of Landscape Architecture at the University of Virginia where he served for five years as Chair of the Department and taught history and theory of landscape architecture. One of his major interests is the design of restorative spaces which relieve stress and improve cognition. He regards Botanical Garden of the Piedmont as an extraordinary contribution to the well-being of the Charlottesville community and has been working with the members of the design committee to bring about its realization.