Implementation of the "Integrative Therapeutic Garden^®" – Preliminary Study

Introduction and Concept of 'Integrative Therapeutic Garden. ,

The concept of Integrative Therapeutic Garden' (or 'Integrative Therapeutic Garden) combines nature, landscape design and elements of layout, orientation, geometry elements and the use of augmentative elements to support health, well-being, a balanced tone and well-being. First – I believe that any garden is therapeutic. Far from being a new idea, healing gardens have ancient roots: as early as Egypt, Persia and ancient Greece they were considered spaces with beneficial effects, and people were aware of the positive influence of well-designed gardens on the health of body and soul[1]. Currently, with accelerated urbanization and technological lifestyle, the need for a reconnection with nature is felt more and more acutely. Modern studies show that natural landscapes and gardens arranged according to therapeutic principles can prevent and even accelerate the improvement/healing of some physical ailments and mental disorders[2]. In the context of the recent pandemic, which has amplified stress, anxiety and social isolation, the importance and benefits of such spaces has become even more evident[3]. Therapeutic gardens are gradually being integrated into urban planning as elements aimed at maintaining the mental and physical health of individuals and communities[4]. In some countries they are already part of the health infrastructure – for example, therapy gardens are mandatory in the courtyards of psychiatric hospitals, providing important support as occupational therapy. In Romania, however, such spaces are just beginning to appear, although their clinical benefits are clear (lowering blood pressure and stress, improving the mental state, reducing the need for medication)[5] or its side effects. There are many places of treatment – hospitals, sanatoriums, others – that have wonderful gardens, but not consciously designed and made therapeutically. This indicates a significant potential for approaching and developing therapeutic gardens at national level.

'Integrative® Therapeutic Garden' (GTI) It is an innovative proposal that takes the concept further, aiming to create an accessible and easy-to-maintain therapeutic green space, even in urban areas. The project takes a holistic approach, combining horticulture with landscaping, natural therapies, alternative sciences and subtle energy elements (e.g. sacred geometry and the use of crystal lattices), in a way that brings practical utility, innovation and benefits to users in both the creation and use phases of the garden[6]. Conceived, not exclusively, as a "garden for city enthusiasts", GTI aims to be simple to implement at different scales - from small courtyards to urban parks - and very easy to maintain. The ultimate goal is to create a self-sustaining plant ecosystem, made up mostly of perennial medicinal plants that regenerate and care for themselves almost on their own, providing therapeutic and ornamental / aesthetic benefits throughout the year[7]. In other words, the Integrative® Therapeutic Garden offers busy and not very skilled city dwellers the chance to have their own healing corner, without requiring great care efforts, thus contributing to improving the well-being of people who otherwise would not have the time, knowledge or possibility to arrange such a green space[8].

Principles of therapeutic design

For a garden to be truly therapeutic, the literature highlights some essential design principles. First of all, it is necessary deep understanding of beneficiaries' needs targeted by the garden – whether it is hospital patients, the elderly, children and adults with disabilities or the general public[9]. The garden must provide a feeling of pleasure, safety and comfort, an environment where users feel protected and at peace. The configuration must be adapted geographical and climatic context locally, selecting species resistant to the area and concepts appropriate to the relief, soil, exposure and microclimate[10]. Another principle is to find a balance between common and intimate areas: the space should include both open areas for socializing or group activities, as well as secluded corners where the individual can take refuge in peace[11]. Last but not least, the garden must be multisensory, stimulating sight, hearing, smell, touch (and even taste) through a variety of textures, colors, sounds (such as the rustling of leaves, running water, the sound of stones under the foot, and Feng Shui bells and tubes), and pleasant plant aromas[9]. All these elements contribute to creating a therapeutic atmosphere that reduces stress and induces states of relaxation and mental recovery[3][5].

Innovative elements of GTI

The GTI project includes a number of key innovative elements that differentiate it and increase its therapeutic efficacy and sustainability:

· Self-sustaining perennial flora:' Resistant and self-sanitizing perennials with recognized therapeutic properties are used, which have different periods of successive flowering. Thus, the garden remains attractive and useful in every season, throughout the year[12]. The selection of species takes into account the relationships of 'companion planting – the compatibility or incompatibility ("sympathy/antipathy") between plants will influence the way they are arranged, in order to support each other and prevent pests naturally.

· IoT technology for minimal maintenance: The garden can be equipped with Internet of Things (IoT) automation systems for irrigation, fertilization and pest control. These systems allow precise dosing (timing, quantities) in both manual and automatic modes, being remotely controllable via a PC or an app on smartphones/tablets[13]. Through sensory monitoring and automation, the need for human intervention in garden maintenance decreases dramatically, which makes the concept scalable and easy to implement even by non-specialists.

· Sacred geometry and energetic elements: The landscape design of the garden integrates sacred geometry into the arrangement of alleys, layers, and decorative elements and outdoor furniture[14]. Harmonious geometric shapes (such as the Flower of Life, the Fibonacci spiral, concentric circles, the octagon, the hexagon, the heptagram, the hexagram, the pentagram, the square, the triangle, the circle, etc.) are used deliberately, consciously, with purpose and intention, starting from the traditional premise that they can generate a positive effect on the psyche and energy of space. In addition, the garden perimeter provides for the integration of strategically placed natural crystals (e.g. quartz, pyrite crystals, etc.) and used in alternative therapies for their supposed energy balancing properties[14]. These aspects give the garden a unique, holistic character, which aesthetically combines material elements with symbolic/spiritual ones.

· Therapy and relaxation areas: The space is divided into thematic areas intended for various therapeutic and relaxation activities. There may be areas for meditation, yoga or active hortitherapy (where users can plant/care for flowers themselves, as a form of occupational therapy), sensory areas (such as a therapeutic alley for barefoot walking on different natural textures – gravel, sand, cones, water – similar to the concept implemented at the Sensory Garden in Galati[15] or at the RNP Romsilva headquarters in Bucharest) or passive relaxation areas with gazebos, benches and pergolas in the shade. Therapeutic procedures can be both general (simple walks, place of contemplation) and specific (for example, corners for outdoor art or music therapy). The use of 'Plant Music' devices will also play a role in this perspective.

· Ecological and traditional principles: The project follows the principles of permaculture and perennial polyculture, fostering biodiversity and symbiotic relationships between plants to achieve a resilient mini-ecosystem[16]. At the same time, elements of Hermetic philosophy and the Belagine Laws (ancestral code of man-nature harmony in the Dacian/Getic/Pelasgian culture) are applied, combining ancient knowledge with modern practice in garden design[17]. EcoDesign and Eco-Innovation strategies are integrated into the entire life cycle of the garden, from the use of sustainable materials (e.g. energy-efficient irrigation systems, rainwater harvesting) to minimizing green waste through composting, without limitation. The EcoDesign principles are present in all stages of the life of an Integrative® Therapeutic Garden.

· Sustainability and self-regeneration: A central criterion is the long-term sustainability of the garden, aiming for the longest possible lifespan with minimal interventions[18]. The choice of resistant perennial species, the creation of a healthy soil that regenerates (possibly through layers of mulch, successive crops) and the design that facilitates care (easy access to beds / layers, automatic systems) contribute to keeping the garden in optimal shape for years in a row, with low costs.

The expected results of the implementation of the GTI include not only the concrete realization of a pilot functional garden, but also the development of a normative and a practical guide (a "GTI realization and maintenance kit") that would allow any passionate and 'listening' amateur to reproduce step by step a therapeutic garden of this type, from the initiation/installation phase to maturity, with minimal effort and maximum efficiency[19]. Thus, the project has a pronounced replicative and educational character: once the model is validated, it can be taken over and adapted on a large scale, practically democratizing access to therapeutic gardens. Essentially, GTI responds to a pressing contemporary need – that of improving the well-being of the population through superior, holistic reconnection with nature – in an innovative and accessible manner, aligning with both international nature-based therapy trends and the local context of Romania.

Beneficiaries and Potential Customers

An approach of such magnitude and usefulness has a wide range of beneficiaries and stakeholders - stakeholders - direct or indirect. Clearly identifying potential beneficiaries is essential to correctly orient the garden design, implementation and financing strategies. The direct beneficiaries of GTI – those who will actually enjoy the use of therapeutic gardens – and potential customers (those who could commission/purchase or support the implementation of these gardens) include:

· Patients and vulnerable categories in the health system: People suffering from various conditions (mental, oncological, neurological, respiratory, etc.) can benefit from therapeutic gardens integrated in medical units and alternative therapies. For example, patients in psychiatric hospitals, who often spend long periods hospitalized, acutely feel the lack of contact with nature – the therapeutic garden project carried out at the Bălăceanca Psychiatric Hospital targeted precisely ~200 such patients, creating a space that encourages them to get out of the isolation of the wards and get involved in the care of plants[20][21]. Similarly, long-term hospitalized cancer patients (adults or children) can find relief and anxiety reduction in a healing garden set up in the hospital's courtyard, as is the case of the "Garden with Stories" at the Bucharest Oncology Institute[22]. Post-traumatic or post-Covid recovery centers, geriatric clinics or centers for children with special needs are all natural candidates to integrate therapeutic gardens, their patients being able to experience improvements in physical and mental state through nature therapy. Public or private medical institutions thus become major potential customers, interested in investing in such facilities to improve their services offered to patients.

· Educational institutions and social centers: Schools and kindergartens – especially special ones (for children with disabilities, ASD, behavioral problems, etc.) – can implement therapeutic mini-gardens in their yards, providing students with a safe space for sensory stimulation and learning through gardening. An example is the initiative of the Botoșani County Council, which submitted in 2024 a project for the arrangement of a therapeutic garden and sensory alleys at the "Ion Pillat" Special School in Dorohoi, targeting children with special needs there. Also, day centers for the elderly, nursing homes and other social assistance centers could offer their beneficiaries access to such spaces for relaxation and light occupational therapy (planting flowers, weeding, etc., adapted to the capacities). Such institutions could be both beneficiaries (by improving the quality of life of those cared for) and implementing partners or project applicants, providing the land and possibly staff for minimal maintenance. The strength of GTI is the holistic, integrative therapeutic side/approach.

· Urban communities and the general public in cities: In Romania's major cities, the shortage of green spaces per inhabitant is a chronic problem – almost half of the country's cities do not comply with the legal norm of 26 m² of green space/inhabitant[23], and in Bucharest the situation is even worse (approx. 8 m²/inhabitant, three times below the requirements)[24]. The townspeople, affected by pollution, stress and crowding, would be indirect beneficiaries of the expansion of the network of therapeutic gardens, either by accessing public gardens arranged in parks, neighborhoods or institutional premises, or by replicating the GTI concept at the level of community neighborhood gardens. To a certain extent, we could say that we will compensate quantity by quality. Local administrations, under pressure to increase the area of green space and improve the quality of urban life, thus become potential customers/financiers of these projects, being able to integrate GTI into urban regeneration plans. For the general public, the benefits would be multiple: volunteer opportunities in the arrangement and care of gardens (strengthening community cohesion), access to an oasis of tranquility and micro-vacation in the middle of the city, ecological education for young people, etc.

· Companies and corporate spaces: Large companies have begun to pay increased attention to employee well-being and environmental impact. Corporate wellness is an increasingly present concept – company headquarters that include green areas, roof gardens or interior courtyards designed for employees to relax during breaks. An Integrative® Therapeutic Garden installed on a company's campus could reduce stress at work and increase productivity, while also providing team building opportunities (by involving employees as volunteers in the project). Therefore, private companies can be both beneficiaries (as users of the garden) and customers who directly finance the arrangement of such a garden at their headquarters. This would also be a component of internal CSR (responsibility towards employees) and green marketing for the company. Some production units / factories have impressive green areas, such as Draxlmaier in Satu Mare, which has about 2 ha of green area.

· Non-governmental organisations and community initiatives: NGOs with a social, environmental or health profile could integrate the concept of a therapeutic garden into their projects. For example, an organisation working with people with mental health disorders or the palliative approach could create, with the support of the GTI, a hortitherapy program for its beneficiaries. NGOs can thus be local promoters of the concept, implementation partners and even applicants for funding (national or European) dedicated to the arrangement of therapeutic green spaces. In Romania there are already foundations and associations that have demonstrated the ability to implement such projects (we will detail examples in the dedicated section), which could facilitate public-private-community partnerships around GTI.

In short, the final beneficiaries are the citizens – either individually (the patient who recovers faster or increases his well-being, the child who enjoys sensory stimulation, the employee who clears his mind during his lunch break, etc.), or collectively (the urban community with more greenery and less stress). The customers and pilot users who could initiate GTI projects are entities such as hospitals, schools, local authorities, companies or NGOs, who want to invest in these tangible and intangible benefits. Identifying them and adapting the message to each category (e.g. highlighting the reduction of care costs for hospitals, the insurance and health insurance system, environmental legal obligations for municipalities, image advantages for companies, etc.) is a crucial step in the large-scale implementation strategy.

Potential Stakeholders and Funders

Given the interdisciplinary and community-based nature of a therapeutic garden, stakeholders include a complex network of entities, from public authorities and institutions to the private sector and civil society. Identifying these actors and their potential role as funders or supporters is essential for the creation and sustainability of the project. Here are the main categories of stakeholders and how they could contribute financially or logistically:

· Local and central public authorities: City halls, local and county councils, as well as the relevant ministries (Health, Sport, Environment, Education, Development) are key organizations. They can support by allocating available land (e.g. unused land near hospitals or schools) and can finance or co-finance the development of therapeutic gardens from local budgets or national programmes. For example, in the project at the Mocrea / Arad Psychiatric Hospital, the County Council financially supported the initiative and announced that it will support the extension of the project to other hospitals in the county, the initial investment in the garden amounting to ~30,000 lei[25]. At the central level, the inclusion of therapeutic gardens in national strategies (public health or urban development) could open up dedicated funding lines. An example of good practice is the fact that some county councils and mayoralties have started to include such initiatives in their plans – the case of the mentioned Botoșani County Council, or projects such as the one of the Galati City Hall in partnership with NGOs, described below. In addition, the authorities have arguments and the legal motivation to invest: the need to bring cities into line with the requirements of green space per inhabitant[23] and environmental objectives (reducing urban pollution and its impact) can justify the allocation of funds and land for therapeutic gardens that improve both the appearance of cities and the health and well-being of the population.

· Private companies and the corporate sector (CSR): Large companies can act as main financiers of such projects, through corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs or direct sponsorships. In Romania there is already an encouraging history: companies such as MOL Romania, ING Bank, FAN Courier, Sika Romania etc. have financed therapeutic or sensory gardens in recent years, either in the form of grants or as dedicated partners[26][27]. MOL, for example, has been running the Green Spaces program since 2006 in partnership with the Partnership Foundation, annually providing funding for environmental projects and urban gardens – in 2023 the budget allocated was over 800,000 lei for 22 projects nationwide[28]. Banks such as ING or BRD have supported community health and environmental projects through their corporate foundations. The opportunity for companies is to increase their positive visibility and demonstrate involvement in social issues (mental health, well-being, environment, what they receive from anywhere) that concern the public. Therefore, GTI could attract consistent sponsorships if it is aligned with the CSR directions of large companies (e.g. public health, environmental education, social inclusion of vulnerable groups, etc.). The strategy here would include identifying companies with congruent interests and presenting the project as an investment with a visible and sustainable impact in the community. The scope of involvement of such an organisation can be local, regional or national. Also, grants from outside are welcome.

· Foundations, grants and national/international funding programs:' In addition to companies, numerous foundations and funding bodies can financially support such initiatives. Local community foundations (such as the Bucharest Community Foundation) already have micro-grant programs for urban green spaces – for example, the Bucharest Environmental Platform has provided co-funding for the "Garden with Stories" at the Oncology Institute, with the support of ING and FAN Courier[27]. There are also European or EEA (European Economic Area) funds that can be accessed by NGOs or authorities: from cohesion funds through ROP, for example – the Regional Operational Program – sustainable urban development axes, which can include the green infrastructure component, to programs dedicated to mental health or social inclusion, where therapeutic gardens can be classified as occupational therapy activities or innovative pilot interventions. At the international level, projects funded by Horizon Europe or other research-innovation programmes also stand out – for example, the NATURELAB project (2023-2027) brings together partners from several countries to demonstrate the benefits of Nature-Based Therapies (NBT), including the implementation of 'Healing Gardens and the development of schemes to finance and integrate them into public health systems[29]. Attracting a European research/innovation grant that includes the piloting of the GTI in Romania would bring both financial resources and valuable expertise and international visibility, with multiple benefits for all parties involved.

· Non-governmental organizations and local communities: NGOs can be not only beneficiaries, but also catalysts of funding, mobilizing resources from the community. Crowdfunding and public fundraising campaigns already have precedents: the 'Zi de Bine' Association managed to raise funds from individual donations (including through the "Donate your birthday" campaign) and to mobilize volunteers to build from scratch the therapeutic garden (a greenhouse with plants) at the Bălăceanca hospital[30]. The 'Always Close' Foundation, in partnership with a main sponsor (Sika), also involved the local community and the city hall in the arrangement of the post-Covid recovery garden in Runcu, obtaining support in the form of materials, labor and donations in kind[31]. These examples show that a blended finance model – in which the NGO coordinates the project, the company provides part of the budget (CSR), the local authority makes the space available and can co-finance, and the community contributes with small donations and volunteering – is successful and feasible. In addition, community involvement increases the sense of belonging and care for the project (e.g. the locals from Runcu commune volunteered to the landscaping, feeling the garden as theirs[32]), ensuring long-term sustainability, as well as the formation/strengthening of the local community.

· Insurance companies and organizations focused on the health of the population are directly interested in carrying out such projects.

In conclusion, the financing of the construction and expansion of therapeutic gardens can come from an ecosystem of sources: public funds (local, national, European budgets), corporate sponsorships (CSR) or small and medium-sized companies, philanthropic grants and community contributions. The key is to align the interests of these parties – for example, a public hospital could use both its own funds or funds from the Ministry of Health, as well as sponsorships through the sponsorship law (which allows companies to direct up to 20% of their corporate tax to social causes)[33], plus volunteering from their own employees or a local firm, and expertise from an agronomy university, such as USAMV. GTI, as a project, has the potential to be a point of convergence between the public, private and civic sectors, all of which benefit from the positive impact generated, together with the direct beneficiaries.

Feasible Funding Sources and Legal Support Mechanisms

In order to concretize the above ideas, we will detail some practical funding sources and legal mechanisms that can support the GTI initiative in Romania, ensuring the necessary resources for implementation:

· Existing funding programs and grants (Romania): As mentioned, the Green Spaces Program (MOL Romania & Foundation for Partnership) is an example of a traditional funder, which annually offers grants to NGOs that want to arrange urban green spaces and carry out environmental educational activities[26]. A GTI project implemented by a local NGO could compete with good chances for funding of up to ~45,000 lei (the maximum amounts usually offered in such programs). Other companies periodically launch CSR financing lines: for example, the Ideas competition from Andrei's Country (OMV Petrom) or the Vodafone, Raiffeisen grants, etc., which target innovative community projects. Identifying all these opportunities and registering the project in the relevant competitions should be an ongoing endeavor. At the governmental level, the Environmental Fund Administration (AFM) finances green infrastructure and environmental education projects in certain sessions – a possible partnership with a local authority could also access such funds.

· European Structural and Investment Funds: In the 2021-2027 programming period, Romania has significant EU funds available through various operational programmes. For the GTI, relevant would be: the Health Operational Program (SOP) – which finances health infrastructure and services, including innovative interventions that can be framed as prevention or recovery measures, where a therapeutic garden pilot at a hospital would be very appropriate; The Operational Programme for Sustainable Development (PODD) and the Regional Operational Programme (ROP) – which have components of green urban development, energy efficiency and resilience to climate change. For example, a municipality could include the arrangement of X urban therapeutic gardens in a larger project for the regeneration of degraded spaces through the ROP, accessible through the Urban Mobility or Green Urban Regeneration Axes. European cooperation initiatives, such as the aforementioned URBACT, Interreg or Horizon Europe programmes , can also provide funding for networks of cities or consortia experimenting with green solutions for health. It is important to note that EU funds usually require the existence of a solid applicant entity (city hall, large NGO, university, etc.) and partnerships, but success brings not only money, but also recognition – which would propel GTI as a model of good practice in the region!

· Incentive tax mechanisms (sponsorship law and tax incentives): Romania has in force the sponsorship legislation (Law 32/1994, updated by the Fiscal Code) which allows companies paying corporate income tax to direct up to 20% of the tax due to non-profit entities, in the form of deductible sponsorship. This mechanism is very relevant, because it costs practically nothing extra to the company (the amount would be paid as a tax to the state anyway), but it can feed the budget of an NGO that initiated the GTI. Many of the funding exemplified above was done in this way: for example, FAN Courier or Sika exercised their social responsibility by directly sponsoring the foundations that implemented the gardens[27][34]. A concrete strategy would be for the organization that coordinates the GTI to identify local (or national) companies willing to direct that 20% to the project; Some companies even prefer to finance tangible projects with local visibility (e.g. setting up a garden at the hospital in the city where the company is based), instead of transferring the money to the budget. Similarly, there is the tax facility for micro-enterprises (they can sponsor NGOs with up to 20% of their quarterly income tax). The sponsorship law is therefore an important legal ally, providing the legal basis for the NGO-company partnership for the benefit of the project. Also on the fiscal front, another opportunity is the mechanism of redirecting 3.5% of the income tax of individuals to an NGO – annually, in fundraising campaigns, resources can be mobilized from citizens who want to support the cause (without direct costs for them). An efficient and transparent communication of the project (what will be achieved, who will benefit) can convince many taxpayers to choose the cause of therapeutic gardens when filling out the redirection form.

· Urban planning regulations and favourable local policies: In addition to funding sources, the legal framework can indirectly support the approach. For example, urban planning legislation already provides that new real estate developments must include a minimum percentage of green space (usually 20-30% of the land area, according to current rules[35]). Where local authorities tighten or strictly enforce these rules, developers might be interested in creative solutions: a developer of an office complex or residential complex could use the GTI concept to arrange the mandatory green space in a manner that brings added value and attractiveness to the project (a sensory garden for residents, a small therapeutic park on the ground floor of office buildings, etc.). Thus, environmental regulations can be used as a selling point: the project helps with legal compliance and also creates a benefit for the community. In addition, some municipalities have adopted local decisions supporting NGOs in carrying out green projects (for example, they provide logistics, plants from ADPs' own nurseries, maybe even tax exemptions for authorizing landscaping works, maybe equipment and labor/labor). An analysis of these local regulations (which differ from city to city) and invoking them in discussions with the authorities can facilitate implementation. Last but not least, there are legislative initiatives under discussion – for example, the idea that new hospitals should be built with green recovery spaces included or that horticultural therapy should be officially recognized as complementary therapy – which, if adopted, would represent a direct legal support for the expansion of the Integrative® Therapeutic Gardens.

In summary, the funding sources for the GTI need to be diversified and adapted to the context of each project. The important thing is that the mechanisms exist – from European money to tax deductions and private funds – and success lies in combining them intelligently. A social business plan for GTI would ideally include a mixed funding matrix: a funding core provided by a grant (EU or corporate), complemented by local sponsorships (20% of the tax from several companies), logistically supported by the city hall (land, permits) and potentially rounded by public fundraising (donations, volunteering). This mix reduces reliance on a single source and increases overall community engagement.

The Role of CSR and the Involvement of Large Companies

We have previously stressed the importance of corporate social responsibility (CSR) as a source of funding, but the role of large companies can go beyond mere financial sponsorship. The integration of the private sector into the project brings mutual benefits and can accelerate large-scale implementation:

Funding and expertise: Companies don't just offer money, but sometimes technical or managerial expertise as well. For example, in the project of the Therapeutic Garden in Bălăceanca, the company Microgreens Romania (a startup specialized in urban agriculture) contributed pro-bono not only with the materials for the greenhouse, but also with the know-how – its employees designed the structure of the greenhouse and the systems, physically participated in the construction and planting, ensuring the quality of the execution[36]. Similarly, a building materials manufacturer such as Sika Romania was a key partner in the Runcu garden, probably providing special materials (membranes, alley adhesives, etc.) free of charge in addition to the monetary contribution[34]. Thus, companies can support GTI not only through checks, but also through products, services or technical consulting (e.g. IoT systems provided by an IT firm, landscape design assisted by the architectural office of a construction company, etc.). A well-structured CSR program can involve the firm's technical departments as professional volunteers, maximizing impact.

Employee mobilization – corporate volunteering: An increasingly common trend is the involvement of employees in volunteering actions organized by the company. Therapeutic gardens are excellent for such activities: the actual arrangement (digging, planting, mounting elements) or periodic maintenance events (spring cleaning, replanting) can be transformed into 'corporate' volunteer days. This was seen in the example of Bikers for Humanity in Bălăceanca – a group of volunteers from an association sponsored by companies came to help with the work, despite the difficult heat conditions[37][38]. Large companies could organize teams of employees who, one day a year, work in the local therapeutic garden, strengthening both the project (the free human resource) and the morale of the employees (who acquire the feeling of social utility), as well as strengthening the collective. In addition, the presence of corporate volunteers brings visibility – the media and social networks frequently present such actions, increasing the notoriety of the project.

Long-term sustainability: A major concern with any pilot project is what happens after the inauguration – who will provide maintenance and operating costs. Here, partnerships with companies can provide a lasting solution. A firm can 'adopt' a therapeutic garden, committing to bear the annual maintenance costs (irrigation, supplies, possibly a part-time gardener) as part of its ongoing CSR commitment. For example, a bank could take over the operating expenses of a garden from a children's hospital for 5 years, or a utility company could cover the water/electricity bill for therapeutic gardens in its city. These multi-year sponsorship agreements should be formalized through sponsorship contracts or partnerships, facilitated by the legal provisions (annual tax deductions within the limit of the ceiling). For the company, the advantage is the image of a long-distance partner of the community, not just an occasional sponsor. For the project, sustainability and the possibility of expansion are guaranteed (if we know that a pilot garden is maintained by sponsor X, we can focus our efforts on opening a new one with sponsor Y). It is possible to 'donate' the garden to the local administration – or other entity – provided that it takes over all the operations to be carried out over a certain period of time.

Synergies with companies' environmental strategies: Many corporations have assumed environmental targets (net zero, biodiversity, etc.). Involvement in a therapeutic urban garden project contributes to these targets – for example, planting trees and shrubs in GTI gardens contributes to carbon sequestration and green area growth, indicators that companies can report in their sustainability report. Thus, the investment in GTI can also be "accounted for" in terms of ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance metrics) for the financier. In addition, by including educational components (workshops, information boards) in the gardens, companies can also tick off the public awareness part they are committed to.

In conclusion, the CSR of large companies is not only "to be taken into account", but to be strategically integrated into the GTI action plan. The successes so far clearly show that where companies lend a hand – either through direct funding (e.g. ING, FAN Courier at "The Garden with Stories"[27]), or through grants (MOL – Green Spaces[26]), or through materials and volunteers (Microgreens, Sika, etc.) – therapeutic garden projects 'happen' and bring real changes. It is therefore recommended to develop a partnership program with the private sector, identifying those companies whose vision of sustainability and responsibility aligns with the values of the project, and to offer them the opportunity to be part of this innovative and generous approach.

Examples of Similar Projects and Lessons Learned

To better understand how therapeutic gardens can be successfully implemented and what funding/partnership models work, it is useful to look at some case studies. In the last decade, several projects of this type have taken shape in Romania – each in a different context (hospital, public space, school, etc.), but all providing inspiration for GTI. Here is a list of relevant projects and how they were carried out:

Mocrea Psychiatric Hospital, Arad (2014) – The first therapeutic garden in post-Decembrist Romania. For the first time, a section of the Mocrea hospital introduced horticultural therapy for patients, arranging a ~1,500 m² garden with over 3,000 plants and alleys, right inside the hospital[39]. The project was coordinated by landscape architect Marcela Nicșanu, who involved 20 patients in gardening work, with notable therapeutic results (some patients improved their behavior and switched to lighter inpatient regimes by practicing gardening[40]). The funding came mainly from the authorities (Arad County Council), the investment being approximately 30,000 lei[25]. The success determined the CJ to consider extending the project to other units. Lesson: Even with relatively small funds, a public hospital can implement a therapeutic garden if there is a will and a dedicated specialist; involving patients as volunteers in the process has a therapeutic effect in itself. "Where is a Will, is a way!" / "Where is Will, is a way!"
Bălăceanca Psychiatric Hospital, Ilfov (2020) – "Seeds of Good" Therapeutic Garden. The 'Zi de Bine' Association has built here a greenhouse-garden for ~200 patients with serious mental illnesses, who often live permanently in the hospital. The project consisted of a large greenhouse, cultivation beds, relaxation areas, and therapeutic mural art, given as gifts to patients who "had nothing left outside"[21][41] Achievement: In just one month (July 2020), with the help of the 'Microgreens' team (experts in urban agriculture) and volunteers (including the 'Bikers for Humanity' group and architecture students), the space was completely transformed: the structure of the greenhouse was raised, irrigation and ventilation systems were installed, wooden beds filled with soil were built, then volunteers and patients planted the seedlings together. Funding: The project was supported 100% by donations raised by NGOs (online campaigns, people who "donated their birthday" by raising money, small local sponsors) – in total ~30,000 euros according to press estimates. The specialized volunteers worked pro-bono, and the materials were obtained at a low price through partners. According to ProTV News, "the greenhouse was built by volunteers, with money from donations"[30], while in other countries such spaces are institutionally funded. Lesson: Civil society can take the initiative where the state can't – community mobilization and empathetic storytelling (presenting patients' cases) were key in attracting funds. The project also raised the issue of sustainability: the hospital then took over the responsibility of maintaining the greenhouse, with staff and patients continuing the horticultural work they had started.
"Prof. Dr. Al. Trestioreanu" Oncology Institute, Bucharest (2022-2023) – "The Garden with Stories". Initiated by the P.A.V.E.L. Association (Parents with Children with Cancer), this ~1,500 m² multisensory garden was set up in the courtyard of the institute, to offer both sick children and adults and staff a refuge away from the oppressive atmosphere of the hospital[22][42]. The garden includes more than 300 therapeutic trees and plants, accessible walkways, and areas for outdoor workshops (e.g., the central platform hosts the "Hospital School" – where hospitalized children do educational activities outside, or yoga and group therapy sessions)[43][44]. Funding and partnerships: The project was an example of a public-private-civic partnership. It was partially financed through the Bucharest Environment Platform, an initiative of the 'Bucharest Community Foundation' together with ING Bank, with a round of grants also supported by FAN Courier[27]. Basically, the NGO P.A.V.E.L. obtained a grant (sponsored by the companies), then collaborated with the local authorities – ADP Sector 2 provided logistical help, and the company 'Elis Pavaje' sponsored the materials for the alleys[45]. Professional landscapers (professors from UAUIM) donated the technical project, and volunteers and the hospital team were involved in the planting. The result, inaugurated in October 2023, is a green oasis that has transformed a previously arid land into a place full of color, scents and hope[42]. Lesson: The involvement of a large community of actors (NGOs, corporate funders, foundation, local administration, experts, volunteers) allowed the realization of a large-scale project in a relatively short time. It is a model that can be replicated in any city: the community foundation as a funding intermediary, the NGO as an implementer, the city hall as a facilitator. The project also showed the importance of adapting the design to special needs – the alleys were designed for wheelchairs, the plants chosen take into account the condition of the patients (e.g. avoiding flowers with allergens for cancer patients with reduced immunity).
The Sensory Garden at the Galati Botanical Garden (2014) – Unique public therapeutic space in the country. Inaugurated in 2014, this sensory garden located within the Natural Sciences Museum Complex in Galati is open to the general public, offering visitors an interactive experience designed to stimulate all the senses[46][15]. On ~750 m² five vertical gardens have been built, alveoli with aromatic plants and a therapeutic alley with various surfaces (gravel, sand, wood, cones, etc.) on which visitors can walk barefoot, experiencing various tactile sensations as a form of relaxation and natural reflexology[15][47]. Funding: The project resulted from a grant won by a local NGO (Development Resource Center 2020) through the Green Spaces program – Urban Green Spaces 2014 component, funded by MOL Romania and the Partnership Foundation[26]. The budget was supplemented by partnerships with local institutions: the Botanical Garden (which provided the land and administration) and the "Dunărea de Jos" University (Faculty of Medicine, which contributed to the therapeutic concept). Lesson: Public green spaces (not just those in hospitals) can also be arranged with therapeutic valences. The involvement of an institution such as a botanical garden offers sustainability (the space is constantly taken care of by the institution's staff and included in the visiting circuit). Funding through national competition was possible due to the clarity of the concept and the strong local partnerships presented in the project. The result was hailed as unique in the country at the time,[48] demonstrating that there was public interest in such attractions – the number of visitors increased, and the initiative was publicized as an example of good practice.
The Medical Recovery Center of the "Tudor Vladimirescu" Hospital Runcu, Gorj (2021) – The therapeutic garden for post-Covid patients. In 2021, the Mereu Près Foundation together with the private partner Sika and the Runcu Town Hall set up the first therapeutic garden in the country dedicated to post-Covid recovery, inside a lung sanatorium located in a mountainous area. The garden, spread over ~1,500 m², includes sensory paths, a gazebo for socializing, outdoor physiotherapy areas and hortitherapy workshops, all integrated into a landscape adapted to the altitude (hardy mountain plants, no flowers with strong fragrances that could bother respiratory patients)[49][50]. Implementation: It was an example of community mobilization – the town hall leveled the land and brought machinery, the local community (the community of elders) donated free wood for the gazebo, and local volunteers participated in the work[31]. Funding: The Foundation covered part of the costs from its own funds and donations, and Sika Romania was the main partner, contributing financially and with materials (probably special floors, waterproofing solutions, etc.)[34]. The inauguration was presented as a success, the hospital management noting that it is the first pneumophthysiology hospital in the country to offer patients medical facilities combined with relaxation and socialization in nature, hoping to become an example for other regions[51]. Lesson: The pandemic context has generated initiatives that can have a long life beyond the pandemic – the Runcu garden is not only useful for post-Covid patients, but for all patients with respiratory diseases who will cross the threshold of the center, creating a model that can be replicated at national level (in recovery hospitals, spa centers, etc.). It is worth noting the combination of sources: private funder + media foundation + local authority + community. Each party offered its best (money, image/advertising, work, materials), and this synergy led to a unique project.

These examples demonstrate that therapeutic gardens can be successfully implemented in Romania, in various settings, when there is collaboration between local actors and passion for the result. Each project overcame obstacles – either lack of money (Bălăceanca), or administrative rigidities (Oncologic Bucharest, where approval was needed from the hospital and coordination with the administration), or prejudices (at first perhaps few believe in the usefulness of "planting flowers" for patients, but the results convinced them). For GTI, these are valuable lessons: they show the importance of adapting to the context (for example, the garden in Runcu avoided fragrant plants for specific medical reasons[50]), they reveal that any contribution counts (a small donation from many people can build a greenhouse) and that the correct promotion of the cause attracts attention and support (all the above projects benefited from TV reports, articles in newspapers, awards at Civil Society Galas, which increased the chances of sustainability).

For future GTI implementations, we recommend the creation of a portfolio of detailed case studies (such as the ones above) to be presented to potential funders and partners, emphasizing: estimated costs, proven positive impact (testimonials of beneficiaries, indicators such as number of users/year, level of satisfaction, possible medical data if collected – for example, decrease in analgesic consumption in cancer patients who used the garden, etc.), as well as public recognition (awards, articles). This portfolio will increase confidence in the project and provide a practical guide to follow (what went well and what challenges arose) for future teams.

Large-Scale Implementation in Romania – Strategies and Recommendations

After defining the concept, identifying the beneficiaries and funders and analyzing the existing examples, the next step is to outline a strategy for the implementation and expansion of the GTI initiative at national level . The medium-term objective would be for the Integrative® Therapeutic Gardens, easy to build, and with minimal maintenance, to be promoted, integrated and implemented on a large scale – in as many communities and institutions as possible in Romania. To achieve this goal, here are some directions of action and practical aspects that should be taken into account:

1. Establishment of an organizational and expertise framework: It is important that the project has a dedicated 'core' – for example, an organisation (or consortium) that actively promotes the GOTI concept, ensures the quality of implementations and is the main interlocutor for authorities and funders. This could be a newly established NGO specifically for GTI or a partnership between a university (e.g. USAMV – University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, or UAUIM – Univ. of Architecture "Ion Mincu", which already has researchers concerned with therapeutic gardens[52]) and an existing foundation/NGO with experience in similar projects. The role of such an entity would be to develop standards and methodologies (a Design and Implementation Manual of the Integrative® Therapeutic Garden), to provide technical advice to those who want to implement (horticultural know-how, plans adapted to each site) and to monitor the results for continuous feedback. Basically, we would create a Network of experts – horticulturists, landscapers, doctors, therapists, IoT engineers – who are involved as Mentors in each local project. This organisational framework could also facilitate Trainings: training volunteers or staff of partner institutions to care for gardens, training occupational and holistic therapists on the use of the garden in their programmes, etc.1s "Already

2. Lobbying and institutional integration: For widespread adoption, the idea needs to be absorbed into public policies. A recommendation would be to initiate a dialogue with the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Labor/Social Protection (which manages part of the social and rehabilitation services), in order to recognize the benefits of therapeutic gardens. For example, it could be proposed to include in future hospital accreditation standards a criterion related to the existence of a therapeutically arranged green space (especially for psychiatric hospitals, pediatric hospitals and recovery centers). Even if it does not immediately become mandatory, the mere mention in the norms would give a signal to hospital managers and nursing home directors that this is a good practice to follow. At the local level, it can be proposed to the county councils that part of the annual health/public budget be reserved for "therapy through nature" – CJ Arad has set a good example by financing Mocrea, and if this model is promoted at the meetings of the Association of County Councils or at public health conferences, others could take it over. Another level is the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development – the integration of the GTI as an example of multifunctional urban green infrastructure (environment + health) in the national urban biodiversity strategy could open access to environmental funds. Last but not least, communication with parliamentarians interested in health or the environment could lead to supportive legislative initiatives (e.g., a bill that would provide additional tax breaks to companies that sponsor the arrangement of therapeutic green spaces in hospitals or schools).

3. Awareness and promotion campaigns: For the project to be widely adopted, it is not enough to convince decision-makers – the support of public opinion must also be gained. A national awareness campaign could highlight the importance of contact with nature for health, using scientific data and concrete examples. The message – for example: "Nature heals" or "The garden – therapy under the open sky" – should be amplified through the media, social networks, public events. Media partnerships with televisions or publications can help broadcast reports about the gardens already built (such as those from ProTV, Adevărul, etc. for the above projects). Demonstration events could be organized: for example, the temporary, 'instant' arrangement of a 'portable' sensory mini-garden in University Square or in front of a mall, where passers-by can experience a few minutes of relaxation in the greenery, with volunteers explaining the concept. Another vector of promotion can be public figures – the involvement of well-known figures (renowned doctors, artists, influencers in the wellness area) as ambassadors of the project would increase visibility and credibility. The purpose of these actions is both to obtain public support, which puts pressure on the authorities to support the project, and to find new partners – a company associates more easily with a project already loved, adopted and requested by the public.

'4. Piloting and gradual multiplication: The strategy could provide for an initial pilot phase, in which 2-3 Integrative® Therapeutic Gardens are implemented in different representative locations, for example: a county psychiatric hospital, a special school and a nursing home. These pilot projects, ideally carried out in the first year of the programme, would serve as demonstrators. With the lessons from the pilot, we would then move on to the expansion phase – identifying other locations and replicating the model with the necessary adaptations. As the reputation of the project grows, one could move on to a national program: for example, the launch of an online GTI platform – which could even be impreunapentrunatura.ro/gti, on the MediaWiki platform – where any interested institution or community can apply to receive support (financial/advisory – the project or assistance for its realization/technical) to make their own therapeutic garden. The platform would manage an annual 'call for projects, with a jury of experts to select the most feasible and impactful proposals, providing them with assistance (similar to the way environmental finance programs work). Through such a structure, in 5 years dozens of new therapeutic gardens could be implemented, geographically spread throughout the country, maybe even outside it. It is essential that local factors are involved in each local replication, in order to create a sense of ownership, but at the same time explicitly maintaining the quality standards and principles of the GTI concept.

5. Monitoring, evaluation and adaptation: An important academic aspect, especially if we want to publish results and influence policy, is to collect data from implementations. It is useful to establish, right from the beginning, some success indicators: number of users of the garden, subjective feedback, through satisfaction questionnaires, possibly objective indicators (for hospitals – the evolution of average clinical parameters in patients who use the garden vs. those who do not; for schools – observations on children's attention after time spent in the garden; for nursing homes – the evolution of the emotional state, etc.). Partnerships with universities would be useful here, as systematic studies can be carried out. The results of these evaluations should be made public in the form of scientific reports or publications, strengthening the case in favour of therapeutic gardens. For example, if we can quantifiably demonstrate a reduction in anxiety levels in cancer patients who spend daily time in the garden, this fact published in a medical journal would lead other hospital directors to invest in such spaces. Continuous monitoring also helps to adapt the practical guide – maybe some plant species are more suitable than others, maybe certain facilities (e.g. ambient music, therapeutic arts) bring a significant plus, etc. All of these lessons will refine the GTI concept as it is expanded.

6. Ensuring maintenance and succession: Once the gardens are created, the risk of them being neglected and degraded after the initial enthusiasm must be avoided. The implementation plan must include a long-term maintenance plan from the very beginning. Here, as we have discussed, partnerships with sponsors ('adoption' of the garden) or with authorities (takeover by local ADPs) are crucial. A hospital could conclude a contract with a landscaping company for monthly maintenance visits, also paid for by sponsorships. Or they could integrate the task of supervising the garden into the job description of an existing caretaker. At the same time, maintaining community involvement is beneficial: annual refresh events (e.g. 'Open Day' in the garden, with new flowers planted by visitors, maybe other events) create a flow of volunteers and renew people's connection with the space and energy of the GTI idea.

All these recommendations align with one main goal: the institutionalization of therapeutic gardens as an integral part of our social and urban landscape. Just as today no one disputes the need for parks, tomorrow we want no one to dispute the usefulness of healing gardens in hospitals, schools or cities. Romania has the chance to quickly catch up with countries where these concepts are already normative, and the GTI project – well articulated academically and practically applied – can be the catalyst for this transformation.

International and European Perspectives

The development of therapeutic gardens in Romania cannot be separated from the international context, especially the European one, where there is already a robust movement to promote Nature-Based Solutions in the field of public health and sustainable urban development. In this section we will highlight what would be useful and beneficial to do internationally – both for us, the initiators of the project, and for the final beneficiaries – and how we can align ourselves with the trends and resources available at the level of the European Union.

'Participation in European networks and platforms: A first opportunity is to connect with existing knowledge networks and exchange of best practices. For example, the NetworkNature platform (supported by the European Commission) brings together experts and projects on the integration of nature in the urban environment; just in 2021, a Romanian PhD student published on this platform an article on the importance of therapeutic gardens in the urban fabric and the need for interdisciplinary collaboration to implement them[53]. Joining such networks would allow us access to studies, guides, models from other countries – for example, knowing the distinction between 'restorative gardens' and 'enabling gardens' (gardens for contemplation vs. gardens for active therapy) and how they are applied in Europe[54] can guide the design of our projects. Also, the international organization Cities & Health or the WHO Healthy Cities' initiative include the sub-theme of green infrastructure for health: the affiliation of pilot cities in Romania to such initiatives would provide recognition and know-how (e.g. Cluj-Napoca is a member of the WHO 'Healthy Cities' network and could be a good candidate to test a therapeutic garden in a municipal hospital).

Cross-border collaborations and joint projects: It would be beneficial to establish partnerships with similar entities in other EU countries. For example, a sister city or a partner university in the West that already has a functional therapeutic garden could become a mentor for a city/university in our country. EUROPE (Interreg) programmes often fund pilot projects in several countries at once. We could imagine a Romanian-Hungarian-Austrian project, for example, where each country sets up a therapeutic garden, then exchanges data and results, creating a common multilingual guide. Or a project with the Republic of Moldova (sharing Romanian know-how there) financed by the EU through neighbourhood instruments. Such collaborations extend the impact of our project beyond borders and can bring new perspectives (e.g. design influenced by local culture – minimalist Nordic gardens vs. Mediterranean gardens with aquatic elements, etc.). In addition, an international component makes the project more attractive for EU funding.

Attracting expertise and scientific resources: At European level there are centers of excellence in horticultural therapy and therapeutic landscape design. For example, in the UK, the Therapeutic Garden Trust and in Germany, various university clinics have nature therapy departments. A useful action would be to organize study visits or exchanges of experience: to send our team to visit the therapeutic garden at Clinic X in the Netherlands, and vice versa, to invite experts from there to us for workshops. Also, participating in international conferences on landscaping, occupational therapy, public health, where we will present the results of the project, will put Romania on the map of research in the field and can inspire others. A mutual benefit ("both for us and for humans") is that by entering the international circuit, we will have access to the latest discoveries – for example, research on which plant species emit beneficial aerosols for anxiety, or studies on how much optimal time a patient should spend in the garden for maximum therapeutic effect. By applying these discoveries, we will increase the quality of our projects, and foreign partners will also benefit from the data collected by us (Eastern European population, post-transition context, etc., which may be less documented).

Alignment with EU objectives and funding: The European Union, through the Green Deal and the 2030 Biodiversity Strategy, focuses on bringing nature to cities – each large city wants to develop an 'Urban Greening Plan'. In this context, therapeutic garden projects can be framed as green infrastructure actions that also provide ecosystem services. We need to package the project in the language of EU policies: to highlight how it contributes to adaptation to climate change (green spaces reduce urban heat island), to health goals (reducing the incidence of depression, also promoted in the EU Mental Health Strategy), to inclusion (vulnerable patients are integrated into the community). This framework will help us access competitive European funding and convince European policymakers to support replication. A concrete example is the aforementioned Horizon NATURELAB project: it develops design guides for healing gardens and schemes for integration into the health system[29], results that can be directly useful to us. It would be advisable to monitor the progress of NATURELAB and other similar ones, possibly to offer ourselves as a Follower City or case study, so that at the end of those projects Romania benefits from the recommendations developed.

Promoting Romanian models abroad: Once we have some successes, it would be beneficial to export them in the form of knowledge. We can write articles in international journals about "The Integrative Therapeutic Garden® – a Romanian model", or apply for European awards for social innovation, public health or environment. For example, the European Social Innovation Competition or the RegioStars Awards (of the European Commission) have categories where a project like ours would fit. Winning such an award would bring not only prestige, but also the chance to find implementation partners in other countries. Thus, we could see GTI piloted in other Eastern European countries where similar needs exist (Bulgaria, the Baltic countries, etc.), with the eventual financial support of the EU. This would mean international scaling and would provide even more credibility in the eyes of the Romanian authorities (who often take the courage to finance locally what has been recognized abroad).

Inspiration from innovative international projects: Remarkable initiatives are emerging globally – for example, recently in Ukraine, in the context of the trauma of war, a group of Nordic landscapers began building a Scandinavian therapeutic garden next to the largest psychiatric hospital, to help treat post-traumatic stress in soldiers and civilians[55]. Such examples show the versatility of the concept in various cultural and crisis contexts. For us, they can serve as inspiration in thinking about additional components – perhaps the integration of art (like a hospital in Sweden has garden therapy and art), or the use of VR/AR technologies combined with the real garden to amplify the experience, and the Senate garden, which replicates the former 'Uranus' district, does that. By keeping in touch with the international scene, we ensure that the project remains up-to-date and competitive in terms of innovation.

In conclusion, the focus on the EU and international does not mean that we neglect the local specificity – on the contrary, it gives us resources and legitimacy to strengthen internal implementation. Both we, the GTI team, and the beneficiaries of the project will win if we are part of the European community that promotes healing through nature. For us, there will be access to funding, knowledge and partnerships; For the beneficiaries (patients, cities) it will be the guarantee that they receive an evidence-based intervention, tested and supported at the highest level. And for Romania, involvement in such networks will improve its profile as a country that innovates in the area of public health and the environment, contributing to common European goals.

Conclusion

The present study explored in depth the concept of the Integrative® Therapeutic Garden and how it can be translated into reality on a large scale, with significant benefits for society. We have seen that the idea rests on a solid basis – both historical (man has used the garden as a medicine since ancient times[56]) and modern scientific (the positive therapeutic effects of nature on the mind and body are increasingly well documented[5]). After all, any garden or walk in nature has a therapeutic side! In addition, the current context in Romania – marked by acute needs in the field of mental and general health, a shortage of urban green spaces and the desire for innovation in care services – is fertile for the implementation of such an initiative.

We detailed the unique elements of GTI (resilient perennial flora, IoT technologies, integration of holistic concepts such as sacred geometry, multisensory areas, etc.), emphasizing that these are not just theoretical ornaments, but practical solutions aimed at ensuring the sustainability and effectiveness of the garden. We have identified a wide range of beneficiaries – from patients with mental or physical illnesses who can find comfort and meaning in the garden, to children, the elderly, corporate employees and the entire urban community gaining a cleaner and more beautiful environment. At the same time, we mapped potential actors and funders – highlighting that success depends on an extensive partnership between authorities (who can provide the framework and basic resources), companies (who can come up with CSR funding and expertise), NGOs (who can innovate and mobilize the community) and citizens (who can make their contribution either as donors or volunteers).

The concrete examples presented – therapeutic gardens built in hospitals and public spaces in Romania – showed us that such projects are feasible and appreciated. They have been implemented through perseverance and collaboration, sometimes with little money but with a lot of soul and dedication, and they have already produced results: more smiling patients, children who forget about treatments at least for a moment in the middle of flowers, communities proud of their green corner created together. These success stories give us confidence that the GTI can be made and that it's worth the effort. They also provide us with valuable lessons about planning, design and maintenance, lessons that we will incorporate to avoid reinventing the wheel and maximize impact.

Looking to the future, the study outlined a strategic expansion plan, which includes the professionalization of the implementation team, steps to influence policies (so that therapeutic gardens are officially recognized and supported), public awareness campaigns aimed at winning people's hearts, as well as integration into a broader European context. The latter dimension – connecting to EU networks and funds – can not only bring resources, but also ensure that what we do is aligned with global best practices. The EU is already funding research and experiments in the field, a sign that nature-based therapy is not a fad, but a pillar of the future of public health[57][29]. Romania has the opportunity to not only be the passive beneficiary of these trends, but also an active contributor, sharing its own innovations (such as GTI) with the rest of the world.

There is another side that I want to mention here: GTI Open Source – that is, a base of all the developments brought by this project will have a public side, made pro-bono available to all those interested. The rest of the information, as we go deeper, will be available in scientific presentations, in consultancy, and then in the takeover by the team of this initiative of parts of some projects, working directly with us.

From an academic point of view, the paper demonstrates the feasibility of the concept through theoretical arguments supported by sources and by correlating with existing conceptual frameworks (horticultural therapy, biophilic design, permaculture, horticultural/occupational therapy, etc.). We have mentioned relevant regulations and statistics – from legal requirements for green spaces[23] to tax incentives that can be used – showing that there are concrete levers that favour implementation. From a practical point of view, we tried to provide an applicable guide: who should be involved, what steps should be followed, what pitfalls may arise. Obviously, each location and community will have its own particularities, but the general principles outlined here can serve as a roadmap for local adaptation of the project.

In conclusion, we dream of the day when in Romania every hospital will have its own small healing garden, every city will have a sensory park where people will restore their soul and tone, and each school or social center will cultivate not only plants, but also hope, in gardens meant to heal. GTI can be the vehicle that leads us to that day, and its widespread implementation would be proof that we have understood a simple and essential truth: nature is our ally in healing and progress, we just need to reach out to it and bring it closer to us. [30][5]

Bibliography (selective):

· Alexandra-Mara Nicolaescu (2021). The importance of therapeutic gardens within the urban tissue. NetworkNature (EU). [58][53].

· Zi de Bine Association (2020). Therapeutic garden – Bălăceanca project. [30][5].

· P.A.V.E.L. Association (2023). Announcement of the completion of the project "The Garden with Stories". [27][45].

· Adevărul (2014). Unique project: horticultural therapy at Mocrea Hospital. [39][25].

· Adevărul (2023). Galati Sensory Garden – all senses activated. [26][15].

· Always Close Foundation (2021). The first therapeutic garden at the post-Covid Runcu center. [34][31].

· PressOne (2024). Environmental Guard Report – insufficient green spaces in cities. [23].

· CORDIS EU (2023). NatureLab – Nature-based interventions for health (Project summary). [57][29].

· Paul G. Iliescu (2025). GTI scientific argumentation – doctoral thesis (manuscript). [6][19].

[1] [2] [3] [4] [9] [10] [11] [52] [53] [54] [58] The importance of therapeutic gardens within the urban tissue | NetworkNature

https://networknature.eu/networknature/article/importance-therapeutic-gardens-within-urban-tissue

[5] [20] [21] [36] [37] [38] [41] The Therapeutic Garden – Zi de Bine Association

https://www.zidebine.ro/proiecte/gradina-terapeutica/

[6] [7] [8] [12] [13] [14] [16] [17] [18] [19] Scientific Argumentation GTI - PGI - 1.pdf

file://file-VJZXm1gKdGvPoH1fryEMWx

[15] [26] [46] [47] [48] The unique Sensory Garden in Romania. All the senses are activated in a unique way VIDEO | adevarul.ro

https://adevarul.ro/stiri-locale/galati/gradina-senzoriala-unica-in-romania-toate-2270737.html

[22] [27] [42] [43] [44] [45] The P.A.V.E.L. Association successfully completes the "Garden with Stories" project, a therapeutic garden for patients and medical staff of the Bucharest Oncology Institute - CASPA - Community of Patient Associations

https://www.caspa.ro/asociatia-p-a-v-e-l-finalizeaza-cu-succes-proiectul-gradina-cu-povesti-o-gradina-terapeutica-pentru-pacientii-si-personalul-medical-al-institutului-oncologic-bucuresti/

[23] [24] Exclusive. 1 out of 2 cities in Romania verified by the Environmental Guard do not provide citizens with the mandatory area of green space

https://pressone.ro/exclusiv-1-din-2-orase-din-romania-verificate-de-garda-de-mediu-nu-asigura-cetatenilor-suprafata-obligatorie-de-spatiu-verde

[25] [39] [40] [56] PHOTO Unique project in the country: horticultural therapy at a psychiatric hospital in Arad County | adevarul.ro

https://adevarul.ro/stiri-locale/arad/foto-proiect-unic-in-tara-terapie-horticola-la-un-1554483.html

[28] CSR 2024. MOL Romania: Green Spaces

https://www.businessmagazin.ro/analize/energie/csr-2024-mol-romania-spatii-verzi-22733485

[29] [57] Nature based interventions for improving health and well-being | HORIZON | CORDIS | European Commission

https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/101083857/reporting

[30] The patients of the Psychiatric Hospital in Bălăceanca received as a gift a greenhouse with seedlings and plants – Zi de Bine Association

https://www.zidebine.ro/2020/07/31/pacientii-spitalului-de-psihiatrie-din-balaceanca-au-primit-in-dar-o-sera-cu-rasaduri-si-plante/

[31] [32] [33] [34] [49] [50] [51] The first Therapeutic Garden set up in the courtyard of a pulmonary and respiratory diseases hospital in Romania, at the Post-Covid Recovery Center in Runcu - Always Close

https://fundatiamereuaproape.ro/prima-gradina-terapeutica-amenajata-in-curtea-unui-spital-de-boli-pulmonare-si-respiratorii-din-romania-la-centrul-de-recuperare-post-covid-de-la-runcu/

[35] The inventory of green spaces, provided for in the new Urban Planning Code ...

https://stirileprotv.ro/stiri/social/inventarierea-spatiilor-verzi-prevazuta-in-noul-cod-al-urbanismului-un-subiect-spinos.html

[55] Building the First Nordic Therapy Garden in Ukraine — to Heal ...

https://colvilleandersen.medium.com/building-the-first-nordic-therapy-garden-in-ukraine-to-heal-mental-trauma-ptsd-fa24f48e3c19

Implementation of the "Integrative Therapeutic Garden®" – Preliminary Study