Hospitals typically feature fluorescent hallways, sterile smells and the constant buzz of medical equipment. At Houston Methodist Hospital in central Houston, however, a green oasis of flourishing native plantings on the 21st floor may be changing the way healing begins.
The garden was dreamt up last fall. Hospital staff Renee Stubbins, PhD, RD, LD, CSO and L. Ashley Verzwyvelt, BSN, RN, OCN submitted a proposal to the Center of Health & Nature, in part for funding an oasis on the roof to the Methodist Outpatient Center outside of the Cancer Infusion. Once awarded, the real planning began. HMH enlisted the help of Asakura Robinson, a local landscape design firm, to design a 2,000 sq. ft. garden on the 21st floor as part of a study to bring nature and tranquility to 28 patients who are receiving outpatient chemotherapy treatments.
Photo courtesy of Asakura Robinson
The patients are separated into 3 different study groups – a control group in rooms with no view, a virtual reality room where VR goggles take them traveling through different nature scenes, and a room with a view of the rooftop garden. The goal of the study is to not just look for psychological improvements but physical ones as well. Patients are having their pain levels, blood pressure, heart rate and saliva cortisol, a hormone the body produces when stressed, tested at the beginning and end of each visit.
Asakura Robinson designed the garden pro bono and collaborated with local artist Gonzo247 to design a mural that frames the Houston skyline from patient rooms. The team chose a plant palette containing colorful flowers and a wide variety of plants, to have a maximum impact on the individuals whose rooms overlook it. Designed to help calm down and relax patients, the garden provides an escape from their current treatment.
Photo courtesy of Asakura Robinson
Asakura Robinson was honored to provide our services for the opportunity to partner with researchers as well as the hospital, to continue developing and collecting data on the positive benefits nature can have on one’s health and psychology.
