title: Design of evidence-based gardens and garden therapy for neurodisability in Scandinavia: data from 14 sites.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  A total of 14 Scandinavian therapy gardens were visited and data collected on plantings, therapeutic activities and assessment of effectiveness in Spring 2014.
  
  
  METHODS
  Data were gathered by a questionnaire and by interviewing staff in Sweden, Denmark and Norway. The data collection structured proforma used the post-occupation assessment method.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Gardening promoted physical movement, presented cognitive challenges and provided opportunities for social participation. Half the gardens were enclosed with sensory plants and 85% were adapted for wheelchairs. A total of 57% of gardens visited had simple designs with flowers, shrubs, lawns and trees. A social center was important especially for dementia clients. Planted pots were used in 79% of gardens. The effectiveness of therapy gardens was assessed at 71% of sites.
authors.affiliation: Royal Hospital for Neuro-disability, West Hill, Putney, London, SW15 3SW, UK.
authors.forename: Josephine Anne
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Spring
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003704:Dementia / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D051639:Gardening / Q000379:methods*; D000072506:Gardens / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D058611:Horticultural Therapy / Q000379:methods* / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012537:Scandinavian and Nordic Countries / Q000453:epidemiology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Huntington's disease; Scandinavia; adjunct therapy; dementia; garden; neurodisability; quality of life