At Residência Egas Moniz in Sesimbra, the residents themselves picked up the spades. A therapeutic forest born from hands that rarely hold tools — now shading the garden benches.
Nature as therapy
Contact with soil, the act of planting and following growth have documented effects on the wellbeing of elderly people: reduced anxiety, cognitive stimulation and a sense of purpose.
This island was designed to be lived in — not just looked at. With long-flowering species, natural aromas and space to walk among the plants.
The method in a social context
The Miyawaki method adapts to any urban context. In a care home, the planting process becomes a moment of community in itself — before, during and after.
At 3 years, the forest closes its canopy and becomes self-sustaining. What the residents planted today, future generations will call a forest.
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