Echuca Regional Health celebrated the official opening of its rehab garden with a morning tea on Friday, November 1.
The therapy garden is located in the sub-acute and rehabilitation ward and is filled with a range of plants aimed at appealing to the five senses.
Among the plant species are the kangaroo paw, aquilegia, crepe myrtle, nepeta or catmint, tanika or basket grass, and grevillea or spider flower.
ERH stroke co-ordinator Lauren Arthurson believes the improvements to the area will be beneficial to a range of users.
“A sub-acute garden upgrade will provide an inviting space for patients, families and ERH staff to enjoy,” she said.
“To enhance from being a mobility review area into multimodal therapy and wellbeing spaces.”
The ERH team aims for the garden to improve the mood and mental health of its patients.
Austin Health clinical nurse consultant and horticulturalist Stephen Wells emphasised the role gardens could play in a healthcare setting to boost wellbeing and outcomes.
“Therapeutic gardens in the healthcare setting are designed to meet the patients’ physical, emotional and psychological needs and are often a component of a patient’s treatment goals and program,” he said.
Mrs Arthurson thanked the sponsors and supporters of the project, including Allie Connelly, GbLA Landscape Architects, Rock Solid Gardening Supplies, T4Greenspace, Riva Fab, Antique Perennials, Echuca Moama Plant Farm, Rochester Native Nursery, Arthurson Projects, the Power family and ERH staff.
The next stage of the project will be the installation of an Aboriginal art mural.