Nature as therapy: What are the benefits of therapeutic gardens – and how will it work in Ukraine

Nature is an organic sedative for humans. To add comfort and coziness to bustling and noisy modern cities, squares, parks, and green areas are being developed. And also special therapeutic gardens – a new format for Ukraine.

LIGA.net spoke with the team working on the creation of the Therapeutic Garden at VDNH to find out how such spaces function, how the restorative effect is achieved, and what such a garden will be like in the capital.

A thousand-year-old tradition

Humanity has long used nature as medicine. In Ancient Egypt and Greece, doctors prescribed walks in gardens; in medieval monasteries, green spaces became places of silence and meditation.

Later, this practice transformed into therapeutic gardens based on sensory contact with nature and gardening. Even Benjamin Rush, the "father of American psychiatry," used gardening to treat mental disorders. Hospitals with such spaces even began to appear in Europe and the USA.

They gained particular popularity after the world wars: working with veterans and people with traumatic experiences proved that combining therapy and nature significantly accelerates recovery. It was then that standardized programs, professional associations, and institutions that developed this practice emerged.

The therapeutic garden at VDNH is being created in partnership with the Ministry of Veterans Affairs and the urban bureau Big City Lab. The space will be open to everyone, but special attention will be paid to veterans, military personnel, and those affected by the war.

Special recovery format

The fundamental advantage of such a garden is the controlled environment, which reduces stress, stabilizes the nervous system, and puts the body into recovery mode.

"Another feature that we are consciously incorporating into the Therapeutic Garden is flexibility," explains Yevhen Mushkin, Development Director of the National Exhibition Center of Ukraine. "Here, you can passively relax or actively care for plants; interact with others or isolate yourself."

The garden will be based on the principle of interacting with nature through gardening. This method engages all five senses – sight, hearing, smell, taste, and touch. Studies show that even 10 minutes of watering plants lowers blood pressure and cortisol levels, improves mood, cognitive function, and stress resistance.

"We are creating a pilot Therapeutic Garden at the VDNH, which will simultaneously be a beautiful public space and a place for therapeutic practices. It should serve as an example of the kind of spaces that should appear near rehabilitation centers, hospitals, and in public places in every community," explains Max Yakover, founder of the urban bureau Big City Lab.

The Ministry of Veterans Affairs emphasizes that the natural, non-hospital environment is the main advantage of the space. For many veterans, it is more comfortable than formalized therapy sessions.

Therapy, activities, calming

The garden's program will include gardening sessions, art and occupational therapy, body practices, master classes, and group activities.

"One session can last about two hours: we start with grounding exercises and a sensory walk through the garden, then participants plant a plant or create an aromatic bag, and we finish with tea and sharing impressions," says Tetiana Lomakina, Advisor-Commissioner of the President for Barrier-Free Access.

"This space is multifunctional. In the Garden, you can be alone or interact with others as part of therapeutic programs. While developing the concept, we held over 10 meetings with experts, as well as defenders, veterans, and their families – and took their wishes into account. Our goal is to make this space as useful and comfortable as possible for everyone," says Max Yakovver.

Plans for the future

The construction of the garden is divided into four stages: earthworks are currently underway, followed by landscaping and greening, and the final stage is the installation of lighting. The space is planned to open this year.

The therapeutic garden at the National Exhibition Center of Ukraine will become a pilot project with the prospect of scaling up across Ukraine. Similar spaces may appear near hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and in public areas.

"Our mission is to be a better version of the future. We create a space that can be scaled and replicated in other cities. We really want this to happen with the Therapeutic Garden," summarizes Yevhen Mushkin.