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Therapeutic gardens
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Therapeutic gardens help us reconnect with nature
By Lori O'Brien,Correspondent
SPRINGFIELD-Dr. Joseph Flack of Longmeadow inherited an "overgrown and messy" backyard years ago when he purchased an older home but he knew with some expert advice he could achieve a low-maintenance, therapeutic garden space to enjoy for years to come.
"The backyard was in disrepair," said Flack during an interview with Reminder Publications.
Enter Stephen A. Roberts, owner of Stephen A. Roberts Landscape Architecture & Construction of 1160 Bay St., who specializes in therapeutic gardens.
Flack worked closely with Roberts on a series of blueprints until he fine-tuned what his expectation of an ideal backyard should be.
Flack explained that he wanted to keep as much original vegetation as possible, however, location changes were necessary for some dogwood trees and flowering plants. Flack and Roberts also agreed that an abundance of perennials would complement the overall look of the property.
Roberts said he has seen an increase in his therapeutic garden business over the years since many area residents are looking for a place at home to relax and escape to and therapeutic gardens are a prime example. Roberts added he sees therapeutic gardens as much more than a trend.
"I believe that our connection to the natural environment and plants is very deep and innate," he said. "I think that our civilization is rediscovering the benefits of having these environments close to us as much as possible to help us cope with the stress that comes from being human in this day and age."
Roberts has a varied background in landscape installation for more than 20 years, but it was his research in the field of horticultural therapy at the University of Massachusetts that exposed him to the therapeutic benefits that gardens have had on civilizations through the ages. As part of his studies, Roberts traveled around the country examining different facilities and their implementation of therapeutic gardens and horticultural programs.
Roberts added he started his own business in 1996 because of his "long desire to have a positive impact on my fellow humans and to be able to channel my passion into self-sustaining entity."
What makes a therapeutic garden?
"All gardens can be therapeutic," said Roberts.
Roberts explained that a true therapeutic garden has a defined program attached to it. For example, a garden that is accessible to people who have disabilities allows them to easily maneuver through the garden and participate in various gardening activities. The garden can also be used for physical therapy or for group therapy.
Roberts specializes in therapeutic gardens to rest and unwind in, as well as those that include play spaces for young and old. Also, therapeutic gardens can be designed to heighten all senses with wind, water and fragrance, and can help heal body, mind and soul.
Roberts' added that his garden at home has been a work in progress since 1996.
"There are plant groups that I tend to love and get much pleasure out of watching as the landscape evolves and changes through the seasons," he said. "I love to watch my children climb the trees that I planted and love to sit up in our tree house relaxing on a Sunday morning. Even though I do this kind of work through the year and spend time with gardens that are much more developed, there still is no place like home."
Some clients have more elaborate plans than others. For example, a few pots on the patio with some flowers and tomatoes can breathe new life into a small space, while others may have more grandiose plans.
One residential project in Somers, Conn., that Roberts created incorporated an extensive water garden that has come to life with all sorts of wildlife. Roberts said his clients are learning the names of different bird species and studying the territories of the frog population.
"To see and hear this kind of enthusiasm from these folks gives me great satisfaction," he added.
Roberts said the amount of time varies to the scale of the project, however, the main focus is the site he has to work with, what the client wishes to achieve with the space, and how the space will be used. He added that he starts with meetings and generates concept plans and visions for the space. Once a concept is developed, he will produce more definitive plans to help work out the technical challenges such as grading, drainage, lighting and structures. Once the plans are developed, Roberts and his crew can then move into the estimating and construction phases.
Roberts employs two designers, four stone masons, one horticulturist, seven laborers with various levels of experience, and one administrative employee.
For area residents like Flack who were ready to stop and smell the roses, spring is always a perfect time to take a fresh look at breathing new life into an old space.
For more information on therapeutic gardens, visit www.stephenroberts.com or call (413) 214-6990.
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