margaret t. morris center therapeutic strolling garden

Prescott, Arizona
Margaret T. Morris Center
2006

The Margaret T. Morris Center is an alternative assisted-living facility serving people with Alzheimer’s Disease and other memory-loss disorders. The center uses horticultural therapy to help residents reconnect with the past and enjoy new experiences. The existing garden, including lawns, mature trees and an heirloom apple orchard, served as a vital therapeutic workspace. The client wanted to provide a safe, tranquil place to interact with nature, exercise the mind and soothe the spirit. Our challenge was to create a strolling garden that delivered a variety of health-supporting experiences through the senses.

A conceptual layout developed by The Arizona Cooperative Extension Master
Gardeners and the center’s staff provided the essential elements of our design. We added a handicapped access-way to an existing path to create a loop to the patio, which was doubled and covered with an open lattice sunshade. A play area shaded gazebos and a council ring were also added.

As residents travel the walkways, they’re accompanied by the sounds of falling water, rustling leaves and birdsong. Sculptures by local artists are nestled among mature trees and colorful native plants. Passersby may pause to watch hummingbirds and butterflies in fragrant pollinator gardens or Japanese fish in the koi pond. Raised gardens and sand planters invite residents to get their hands dirty and feast on the fruits of their own labor. Colorful blossoms offers scents and hues that change with each season.

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