Singapore's adventure with therapeutic gardens began on May 14, 2016, when the first such facility opened at HortPark. This landmark event marked the beginning of a new chapter in the city-state's approach to public spaces. The Therapeutic Garden @ HortPark, however, was no ordinary park - it was designed based on scientific research that confirms the positive effects of contact with nature on human mental health.

The designers of the garden at HortPark created a space that was intended not only to please the eye, but above all to engage all the senses and support the body's regenerative processes. The garden was divided into functional zones, each of which has a specific therapeutic role. There is a regeneration zone, where numerous plants with intense scents and colors stimulate the senses, while wind chimes and water elements introduce a soothing sound element.

The success of the first therapeutic garden led Singapore authorities to develop the concept. Just one year later, on September 19, 2017, the Therapeutic Garden @ TBP (Tiong Bahru Park) opened, introducing an innovative division into four themed zones: Fragrance, Biodiversity, Edible and Medicinal Plants, and Colors and Textures. Each of these zones is designed to stimulate specific senses and evoke specific emotional responses.

In the Fragrance Zone, plants with intense aromas have been planted, which not only make being in the garden more pleasant, but also stimulate memory and evoke positive associations. The Biodiversity Zone is a place to observe local flora and fauna, which promotes tranquility and contemplation. The Edible and Medicinal Plants Zone educates on the health properties of various species, while allowing direct contact with plants that have served man for centuries. The Color and Texture Zone is a true feast for the eyes and touch - the varied textures of leaves and flowers and the rich color palette stimulate the senses and enhance the mood.

Interestingly, Singapore's therapeutic gardens are not designed to be exclusive or hard-to-reach places. On the contrary, the city government has made sure that they are evenly distributed throughout Singapore so that every resident and tourist has easy access to them. In November 2024, two more gardens opened in the northern part of the island - at Yishun Pond Park and Sembawang Park, each tailored to the needs of the local community.

The concept of therapeutic gardens in Singapore is based on three pillars: regeneration, education and social integration. The gardens are intended to be places where people can relax and recuperate mentally, learn more about nature and its effects on health, and connect with other people. This holistic approach makes Singapore's therapeutic gardens more than just a tourist attraction - they are places that make a real difference in the quality of life.

It's worth noting that Singapore, in planning the development of a network of therapeutic gardens, has set an ambitious goal - by 2030, every resident of the city is to have access to such a garden within a 10-minute walk from their home. This shows how seriously the authorities are taking mental health and how important a role green spaces play in the city's health strategy.

Singapore's therapeutic gardens, while based on a common concept, differ, offering visitors a variety of experiences and benefits. Each has its own unique character, tailored to the local context and community needs.

Bedok Reservoir Park Therapeutic Garden, located in the eastern part of Singapore, is distinguished by its picturesque waterfront location. The garden takes advantage of its proximity to the reservoir to create a uniquely tranquil atmosphere. The murmur of the water, the sun's rays reflecting in the sheet, and the gentle breeze create an ideal environment for meditation and tranquility. Unlike other therapeutic gardens, Bedok relies on minimalism - simple paths, muted colors and thoughtful plantings promote concentration and stress reduction. This garden is especially appreciated by those seeking tranquility and space for contemplation.

Of a completely different nature is the Therapeutic Garden @ Pasir Ris Park, which is renowned for its abundance of plant species and intense sensory experience. This garden, located in the northeastern part of the island, was designed for maximum stimulation of the senses. Here you will find plants with intense scents, a variety of textures and bright colors. Specially designed sensory paths allow visitors to walk barefoot on a variety of surfaces - from soft moss to fine pebbles to tree bark. This place is especially recommended for families with children and people with sensory disorders, for whom such stimulation can have a therapeutic effect.

Therapeutic Garden@ Bishan Park Pond Gardens, on the other hand, stands out for its focus on horticultural therapy. This garden offers special raised beds that allow elderly and disabled people to grow plants. Regular gardening workshops led by specialists teach how to use contact with plants to improve well-being and reduce stress. Bishan Park is also home to many species of birds and butterflies, adding to the experience of being there. The garden is especially appreciated by seniors, who find not only solace here, but also the opportunity to spend time actively and establish social relationships.

Therapeutic Garden @ Punggol Waterway Park is one of the newer gardens in the network, opened as part of the Punggol neighborhood development. Its unique feature is its integration with a system of bicycle and pedestrian paths, making it ideal for people who prefer active forms of relaxation. The garden also offers special zones for tai chi and yoga exercises, combining traditional Eastern practices with a modern approach to mental health. Punggol Waterway Park is an example of how therapeutic gardens can be harmoniously integrated into the urban fabric and serve the diverse needs of residents.

A unique spot on the map of Singapore's therapeutic gardens is the Healing Garden, located at the Singapore Botanic Garden. This garden, unlike the others, focuses on education about the healing properties of plants. Covering an area of more than 2.5 hectares, it gathers more than 400 species of plants used in the traditional medicine of various Southeast Asian cultures. Each plant is accompanied by an information plate describing its medicinal properties and traditional uses. The Healing Garden is not only a place for relaxation, but also a living ethnobotanical museum that provides a better understanding of man's relationship with nature.

The latest addition to Singapore's family of therapeutic gardens is the KPMG Wellness Garden, which represents a new trend - private sector involvement in the creation of health-promoting spaces. This garden, sponsored by KPMG, combines elements of traditional therapeutic gardens with modern technological solutions. For example, there are interactive installations that measure stress levels and suggest appropriate breathing exercises, or a mobile app that guides the user through various meditation paths. The KPMG Wellness Garden shows how the concept of therapeutic gardens can evolve and adapt to the changing needs of society.

Comparing all of these gardens, there are some regularities. Gardens located in central parts of the city, such as Therapeutic Garden @ HortPark or Therapeutic Garden @ TBP, tend to be smaller, but more intense in their impact - each element is carefully thought out and has a specific therapeutic use. In contrast, gardens located on the outskirts, such as Therapeutic Garden @ Pasir Ris Park or Therapeutic Garden @ Punggol Waterway Park, boast larger spaces and often integrate with surrounding recreational areas.

Interestingly, all of Singapore's therapeutic gardens, despite their differences, have one thing in common - they are designed based on scientific research and consultation with experts in environmental psychology, horticultural therapy and universal design. As a result, every element of the garden - from the selection of plants to the layout of paths to resting areas - has a rationale and serves a specific therapeutic purpose.

Singapore's therapeutic gardens have become not only a tourist attraction, but also an important element of the city-state's health and social policies. Their impact goes far beyond the aesthetics of urban space, touching on public health, environmental education and community building.

From a tourism perspective, therapeutic gardens offer visitors to Singapore a unique experience that is hard to find in other metropolises. Unlike traditional tourist attractions, which often focus on visual experiences, therapeutic gardens engage all the senses and encourage deeper reflection. Tourists who visit these places often emphasize that they allow them to see a different face of Singapore - not only as a modern, vibrant city, but also as a place that cares about the mental well-being of its residents and visitors.

It is worth noting the differences in the popularity of the various gardens among tourists. The Healing Garden at the Singapore Botanic Garden, due to its central location and wealth of information about medicinal plants, attracts the most foreign visitors. The Therapeutic Garden @ HortPark, on the other hand, as the first and most recognized therapeutic garden, is often included in official tourist tours. Gardens farther from the center, such as the Therapeutic Garden @ Pasir Ris Park and Bedok Reservoir Park Therapeutic Garden, are less frequented by tourists, but are popular with the local community.

From the point of view of Singaporeans, therapeutic gardens play a much more important role than just tourist attractions. They are places that make a real difference to the quality of life in the city. A study by Singapore's National Parks Board found that regular use of therapeutic gardens leads to reduced stress levels, improved mood and overall well-being. This is particularly relevant in the context of Singapore, which is one of the world's most dense and fast-growing cities, where stress and hectic schedules are an integral part of everyday life.

Therapeutic gardens have also become an important tool in the fight against mental health problems, which are affecting a growing number of Singaporeans. Local hospitals and psychiatric clinics are increasingly incorporating visits to therapeutic gardens into treatment programs for depression, anxiety disorders and post-traumatic stress disorder. Therapeutic Garden@ Bishan Park Pond Gardens, for example, has partnered with a nearby senior center to offer special programs for the elderly with dementia. KPMG Wellness Garden, on the other hand, organizes regular mindfulness sessions for corporate employees to help them cope with work stress.

An important aspect of Singapore's therapeutic gardens is their educational role. Each garden offers educational programs for different age groups, from preschoolers to seniors. Children learn about plants, ecosystems and sustainability, while adults can deepen their understanding of nature's impact on mental health. Healing Garden in particular excels in this regard, offering regular workshops on traditional plant medicine from various Asian cultures.

Therapeutic gardens also contribute to community building. Regular events, such as community planting, gardening workshops and meditation sessions, create a space for people to form relationships. In Singapore's rapidly changing society, where traditional social ties are eroding, therapeutic gardens are becoming new centers of social life, especially for the elderly and families with children.

The ecological importance of therapeutic gardens cannot be overlooked either. All of these spaces have been designed according to the principles of sustainability and biodiversity. The Therapeutic Garden @ Punggol Waterway Park, for example, is home to many species of birds and butterflies, and the Therapeutic Garden @ TBP is famous for its extensive collection of plants native to Singapore. In this way, therapeutic gardens contribute to the conservation of local flora and fauna, while educating the public about the importance of biodiversity.

Looking to the future, it can be predicted that the importance of therapeutic gardens in Singapore will grow. The city-state government has already announced plans to expand the network of these spaces so that by 2030 every resident will have access to a therapeutic garden within a 10-minute walk of their home. In addition, the concept of therapeutic gardens is beginning to be adapted by other countries in the region, which see it as an effective tool for improving the quality of urban life and promoting mental health.

Singapore's therapeutic gardens are an excellent example of how thoughtful urban planning can positively impact both the tourist experience and the daily lives of residents. This innovative approach to tourism, which combines the promotion of the city with mental health care, could become an inspiration for other metropolises around the world.