In the spring and summer, the Spruce building’s adult inpatients and staff can step out onto the 4th- and 6th- floor porches and be greeted by colorful flowers and assorted greenery. But this isn’t like any other garden on the property. The plants were strategically selected to appeal to the five senses, supporting the Behavioral Health team’s sensory gardens project.
In April 2021, occupational therapists Felicia Duch, MOT, OTR/L, and Kristen Howland, MS, OTR/L, initiated the idea for the garden. They collaborated with Stephanie Hollister, MSN, RN, nurse manager of Behavioral Health, Dan Bangert, lead horticulturist, and his Environmental Services team for the selection of plants and implementation of the garden on the unit’s porches.
Duch had previously established sensory gardens at a maximum security forensic facility and an outpatient Pediatrics sensory clinic. She united with Howland, who was bringing in plants from her home garden to brighten up the unit during the onset of the pandemic.
“An inpatient environment can be sterile and unstimulating, but having this outdoor space can promote an engaging experience for both patients and staff,” said Duch. “From our experience so far, the garden has been helpful in supporting mood, alertness level, and escalation management for patients on the unit.” The duo recently discussed the potential mental health benefits of the sensory garden through a poster presentation at the American Occupational Therapy Association Conference in Texas.
Those entering the garden can see colorful petals, take in whiffs of lavender and lemon, shake the plants to hear a rattling sound, hold leaves with fuzzy or rough texture, and even taste some of the plants which were incorporated into the refreshments for the garden’s opening celebration in August, serving mint iced tea and lemon-rosemary cookies.
Patients can also help maintain the garden with watering cans and spray bottles provided by staff and learn more about the sensory benefits of the plants at occupational therapy sessions. Bangert has served as a guest speaker and enjoys teaching patients how to best utilize all senses while in the garden.
“The garden can evoke social interaction,” said Bangert. “A certain smell could remind someone of a memory. Whether it be a sad or happy moment, it’s good to express a whole range of emotions and share those feelings with others.”
For patients being discharged who had a particular fondness of the garden, the team may prepare a clipping from one of the plants and place it in a water- or soil-filled plastic cup for their departure.
“Caring for the plants and helping them grow gave some patients a sense of purpose,” said Hollister. “Gifting them with a plant helps them continue that mission and allows them to have a part of us with them at home.”