2023 Award Winning Therapeutic Garden Design
Lake Oswego, OR, October 3, 2023
Mary’s Woods, a non-profit retirement community, proudly announces the recognition of its Healing Garden with the Therapeutic Garden Design Award from the American Horticultural Therapy Association (AHTA). Nestled within the heart of the memory care neighborhood, the Healing Garden stands as a testament to Mary’s Woods’ commitment to the full development of each resident at every life stage.
“This garden offers a true sense of grounding and safety, as well as the ability to explore nature’s gifts each season.”
The Mary’s Woods Healing Garden employs the principles of horticultural therapy to offer a multisensory experience for those with dementia or Alzheimer’s. The secure, enclosed garden boasts an ADA-accessible glider that provides soothing movement, aromatic plants in elevated garden boxes, and a tactile mosaic wall inspired by Oregon’s four distinct seasons. The space enables residents to engage all their senses, providing a tranquil escape into nature.
The Healing Garden gives family members a space to have a shared experience with their loved ones when words are hard to find. The AHTA champions horticultural therapy as a rehabilitative and healing practice. Grounded in research, horticultural therapy has been shown to enhance memory, cognitive function, and physical well-being. This aligns seamlessly with Mary’s Woods’ mission to enrich the physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being of each resident.
Horticultural therapy is celebrated for its ability to alleviate stress and anxiety. The Healing Garden provides a sanctuary at residents’ doorsteps, contributing to memory enhancement, cognitive stability, and emotional serenity. The garden’s intentional location in the center of Mary’s Woods’ memory care neighborhood ensures regular access to these benefits.
Based on input and a wish list from the residents of Mary’s Woods, landscape architect Brian Bainnson a nationally sought-after landscape designer, added the Healing Garden to his portfolio of 24 therapeutic gardens across the United States. The Healing Garden is a source of enrichment for residents, their families, caregivers, and staff.
The garden is a space to gather, celebrate, and learn, fostering a holistic sense of community.
Resident volunteers throughout the Mary’s Woods campus help maintain the garden under the direction of Melissa Bierman, an instructor with Oregon State University and a registered Horticultural Therapist at Legacy Health in Portland, Oregon.
About Mary’s Woods
Mary’s Woods is a non-profit Continuing Care Retirement Community situated on 40 historic acres in Lake Oswego, Oregon. Mary’s Woods is missioned to provide individuals with a continuum of housing, health, and educational services that ensure the dignity, well-being, independence, and security of older persons. Consisting of Independent and Assisted Living options, and Residential Care and Memory Care with 24/7 nursing staff, Mary’s Woods is home to more than 700 residents who are supported by an exceptional team of 400 staff members.