How this approach works

There’s no single right way to create a wellbeing garden, but having a clear path helps. Two tools support the journey: a stepped process that guides the project from the first idea to long-term care and an inclusive design model that describes the different ways people can get involved along the way.

Seven steps from concept to growth

Inclusive Garden Design Process Model

Types of garden user involvement:

  • Provision – Garden users are invited to enjoy the garden or take part in events, activities and therapy sessions. People benefit from what the garden offers without being involved in planning, design or decision-making. Best suited for: steps 6 and 7
  • Sharing – Garden users and organisations exchange knowledge, expertise and goals. Users share their practical experience and local knowledge, while organisations share research findings and technical expertise. This exchange helps shape how the garden develops and what it offers. Best suited for: all steps, particularly 2, 4, 5, and 7
  • Consultation – Garden users are occasionally asked for their thoughts and opinions through surveys, focus groups or interviews. This ad hoc input helps inform specific decisions about the garden. Best suited for: steps 0-2 
  • Engagement – Garden users are engaged in regular consultations to express their views that can influence garden design, construction and maintenance decisions. Informed by research, evidence and shared goals, their input consistently helps guide the garden’s development, programming and funding. Best suited for: steps 1-7
  • Co-design – Garden users actively work alongside organisations in garden design, construction and maintenance decisions. Informed by research, evidence and shared goals, their experiences and ideas directly shape and genuinely influence the garden’s development, programming and funding. Best suited for: steps 1-5
  • Co-production – Garden users and organisations work as equal partners. Informed by research, evidence and shared goals, they share responsibility, accountability and decision-making on the garden’s development, programming and funding. Best suited for: all steps

Methods to measure wellbeing impacts

A variety of tools can be used to assess the garden’s impact on wellbeing, including:

Evidence and inspiration from the Blueprint

Based on scientific research and real-life examples, our Blueprint is designed to help people create gardens that support wellbeing – whether at home, in the community or organisations.

RHS Wellbeing Garden Blueprint Organisations and Communities

Get involved

The RHS is the UK’s gardening charity, helping people and plants to grow - nurturing a healthier, happier world, one person and one plant at a time.