This event will run both in-person or online via Zoom. Please indicate your preference by selecting the appropriate ticket in checkout. The Zoom link will be sent out when registrations close at 4:30pm on the day of the session.

Join Sandra Schwarz, landscape architect and author of Restore: How Green Spaces Support Human Restoration, for an inspiring and practical exploration of how gardens and green spaces can become places of refuge, connection and restoration.

Drawing on research into nature connection, wellbeing, landscape design and therapeutic horticulture, Sandra will explore how gardens can support psychological, emotional and social wellbeing. Discover simple, evidence-informed considerations for creating restorative experiences in home gardens, schools, early years environments, community and health settings, and disability support programs.

Through practical examples and hands-on activities, you will identify opportunities to incorporate restorative design considerations into your own garden, program or organisation. Regardless of your budget, available space or gardening experience, you will leave with achievable ideas, practical resources and renewed inspiration.

About the facilitator

Sandra is an educator, landscape architect and author who is passionate about understanding and sharing what makes green spaces restorative.

The seed for her book was sown while undertaking a double Masters – Landscape Architecture, at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (Alnarp) and University of Melbourne (Parkville/Burnley). The book expands on her academic work, reflecting on restorative and therapeutic green spaces across Europe, Asia, North and Central America. Sandra has continued to explore the worlds of Garden Therapy, Therapeutic Horticulture and Nature-based Interventions in recent travel to Europe, where she presented her book at various industry Conferences.

Sandra continues to support education and the sharing of knowledge at the Burnley Campus (University of Melbourne - Therapeutic Landscapes in particular). Having broadened her learning into allied health to understand diverse needs for wellbeing, she volunteers weekly at the Royal Talbot Rehabilitation Centre, helping care for the gardens that are so appreciated by the patients, staff and visitors.

Copies of Sandra's book 'Restore' will be available for purchase on the night of the event, or you can loan it any time from the Altona Library.

Accessibility: This venue is wheelchair accessible. If you have any access or support questions or requirements in order to participate fully (eg. interpreter), please let us know at least two weeks prior to the event and we will be pleased to assist you.

This My Smart Garden event is proudly presented by Hobsons Bay City Council on the land of Wurundjeri and Boon Wurung peoples of the Kulin nation. My Smart Garden pays our respect to Elders past and present and acknowledges that First Nations peoples have cared for Country sustainably for tens of thousands of years.

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Contact the host of Gardens as Restorative Places (online and face-to-face workshop)