Course Syllabus
Healing Gardens & Wellness Greenspaces |
| Semester & Location: |
Fall 2026 - DIS Copenhagen |
| Type & Credits: |
Elective Course - 3 credits |
| Major Disciplines: |
History, Public Health, Landscape Architecture |
| Faculty Members: |
Toby Musgrave (current students please use the Canvas Inbox) |
| Time & Place: |
TBD |
Course Description
This course explores the international history, culture, design and planting behind healing gardens
and wellness greenspaces, examining their role in fostering physical, mental, and social
well-being in societies both past and present.
The positive effects of horticultural therapy are well established and documented, ranging from
PTSD treatment for veterans to sensory rehabilitation for patients with dementia or neurological
injuries, to psychological benefits for cancer patients. Healing gardens also support care givers
and families, and they can enhance everyday wellness and development more broadly: from helping
young children build ergonomic and social skills to fostering community and integration by breaking
down socio-cultural barriers, reducing stress, and improving mental health.
This course investigates how therapeutic landscapes have evolved over time, tracing the development
of healing gardens from medieval cloister gardens to modern therapeutic spaces. We examine how
these environments continue to shape contemporary urban and healthcare settings, analyzing design
principles that make gardens effective for restoration, well-being, and a diversity of treatment
regimens. We also explore the broader role of public greenspaces in community health, urban
planning, and social integration, evaluating the economic and social value of investing in
wellness-focused landscape design.
Learning Objectives
By the end of this course you will:
• Understand the international cultural and therapeutic design, history and evolution of
healing gardens and wellness greenspaces.
• Know the diversity of types of healing gardens and wellness greenspaces and their key design
elements, content, planting, and purpose.
• Be able to assess the therapeutic benefits and purposes of healing gardens and wellness
greenspaces and the mechanisms by which these are delivered.
• Realize the future possibilities of healing gardens and wellness greenspaces provision within the
private and public sectors, both physical and virtual.
Faculty
Toby Musgrave
Ph.D. (Garden History, Reading University, UK, 1996). B.Sc. (Horticulture, Reading University, UK, 1990.) Independent lecturer on garden and plant history since 1994. Author of thirteen books, Author of numerous magazine and newspaper articles on the subjects of garden and plant history and design, Co-Author/Contributor to six books. Submersible Pilot for Seabourn on Expedition Cruise Ships. With DIS since 2010.
Readings
ed. Capolongo, S., Monica Botta, M., & Rebecchi, A. (2023). Therapeutic Landscape Design.
Methods, Design Strategies and New Scientific Approaches. Springer Nature.
Jeffries, S. (2023).Designing, PlantingandUsingaTherapeuticGarden. TheCrowood Press.
ed. Marsh, P. & Williams, A. (2023). Cultivated Therapeutic Landscapes - Gardening for Prevention,
Restoration, and Equity. Routledge.
Souter- Brown, G. (2015). Landscape and Urban Design for Health and Well-Being Using Healing,
Sensory and Therapeutic Gardens. Routledge
Winterbottom, D. & Amy Wagenfeld, A. (2015). Therapeutic Gardens: Design for Healing Spaces. Timber
Press.
Cooper Marcus, C. & Sachs, N A. (2013). Therapeutic Landscapes - An Evidence Based Approach to
Designing Healing Gardens and Restorative Outdoor Spaces. Wiley.
A selection of papers will also be part of the required reading.
Field Studies
Nacadia Therapy Garden (Terapihaven Nacadia), Hørsholm.
This Field Study will visit the Nacadia Therapy Garden designed by landscape architect, Ulrika K.
Stigsdotter, with the University of Copenhagen. Nacadia is an active research- and therapy-based
garden laid out as a wild forest garden in the University's arboretum. It promotes mental health
rehabilitation for patients, specifically individuals living with post-traumatic stress disorder.
Forest Bathing (Shinrin-Yoku)
Shinrin-Yoku is the Japanese mindful and intentional therapeutic practice of immersing oneself in
the natural world to engage all the senses and cultivate a sense of presence and connection. On
this Field Study you will actively participate in a therapists-lead session within a forest north
of Copenhagen to promote health and well-being through the engagement of all their senses
DIS Accommodations Statement
Your learning experience in this class is important to me. If you have approved academic accommodations with DIS, please make sure I receive your DIS accommodations letter within two weeks from the start of classes. If you can think of other ways I can support your learning, please don't hesitate to talk to me. If you have any further questions about your academic accommodations, contact Academic Support academicsupport@dis.dk
Grading
| Assignment |
Percent |
| Participation |
20% |
|
Group Work: Design a Healing Garden |
25% |
|
Refection Exercises |
25% |
|
Long Paper |
30% |
Academic Regulations
Please make sure to read the Academic Regulations on the DIS website. There you will find regulations on:
DIS - Study Abroad in Scandinavia - www.DISabroad.org
Course Summary:
| Date | Details | Due |
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