“A Labyrinth is an archetypal design etched into the earth. It is a path, symbolic of the many journeys we take in our lifetime, The labyrinth is a place for prayer, reflection, relaxation and the contemplation of the sacred mysteries of life.”
— Rev. Dr. Thomas G. Sinnott, Heron Point Continue Care Retirement Community

“The concept of a positive distraction implies that certain types of environmental features are especially positive in reducing patient stress and promoting wellness.” “The most effective positive distractions are mainly elements that have been important to humans throughout a million years of evolution: (1) nature elements such as trees, plants and water; (2) happy laughing or caring human faces; and (3) benign animals such as pets.”
— Roger S. Ulrich, PhD, “How design impacts wellness”, Healthcare Forum Journal

“No Adult Day Center should be without the garden. The garden added another dimension to the Center. The garden extended the care of the people by offering unique activities and programs. The garden is a tangible asset. It is marketable and something that sets the Center apart. You have to have something that people are interested in. People with Alzheimer’s can get bored easily. Creating a home-like atmosphere with activities from the home is essential. The garden offered those familiar elements. The garden takes them back to their past. These are enjoyable experiences.”
— Nancy Fiedler - former administrator, Promise Alternative Day Care

“The garden totally changes what happens with a person with Alzheimer’s disease. The garden is a soothing and calming place for people. We get the family the family to bring their loved one who has Dementia outside - everyone relaxes. The garden works for people who are agitated. One couple comes out to the garden everyday. The husband has dementia. They share time in the garden together. The residents use the herbs that are grown in the garden to make crafts and other activities.”
— Kathy Schnurr - Director of Activities, CTRS, ATRA, Virtua Health and Rehabilitation

“Everyone loves the garden - residents, staff and family. The residents go outside often. They do bird watching. It is a lovely outdoor area for them to enjoy nature. The garden gives residents a chance to do things. It is a very nurturing environment.”
— Staff Member, Brandermill Woods Healthcare Center, Richmond, VA

“I believe the garden is a wonderful natural medicine, rather than all of the other medicines we have today. There are families who would bring their loved one outside to see our garden. So, I would give them a tomato or a cucumber. It transforms them. They almost cried. That person remembers their visit to the garden. Last year (2005) we raised 700 tomatoes from 32 plants. I just kept picking and picking and got lots of fruit for our salad bar.”
— Leo Molinaro - Resident, Stapeley at Germantown