Therapeutic Garden

On 18 July 2025, dobro.ua published a project entitled ‘Therapeutic Garden at VDNG’ on its website, with the aim of raising funds to create a space for the rehabilitation, psychological support and social adaptation of military personnel who participated in combat operations, as well as civilians who suffered from the actions of the aggressor, and their integration into civilian life through nature-oriented therapy, educational and social initiatives.

The implemented therapeutic garden at VDNG has become a place of strength and recovery. It is not just beauty – it is a space where nature heals and inspires. The therapeutic garden embodies the principles of responsible business, inclusion, accessibility and the desire to create places of peace for all Ukrainians, especially for 1.3 million veterans and civilians affected by the war.

In Ukraine, where the number of people in need of recovery is growing every day, the therapeutic garden has become an important part of the rehabilitation and post-rehabilitation infrastructure.

The Therapeutic Garden features:

• a therapeutic gardening area

• an adaptive sports ground

• a physical activity area

• a green room called ‘Circle of Warmth’

• a place for group meetings

• a playground for children whose parents participate in the programmes

In spring 2026, specially designed therapeutic programmes will be launched, within which specialists will work with military personnel, veterans and their families.

The vegetation in the Therapeutic Garden has been selected to promote a sense of calm and immersion in nature. In addition to the trees that originally grew on the site, 16 more trees, about 700 shrubs and over 12,000 perennials have been planted. All species are arranged according to the principle of the natural environment: sun-loving plants are in open spaces in the centre, shade-tolerant plants are closer to the edges of the Garden. This approach creates a natural balance and ensures constant seasonal changes.

The selected plants have different flowering periods, thanks to which the space remains alive and interesting throughout the year.

The garden engages all five senses. Visitors can admire the variety of shapes and colours, listen to the rustling of leaves and birdsong, smell the scents of flowers and herbs, and touch different textures. The trees and shrubs in the garden will also bear fruit that is familiar from childhood.

The Therapeutic Garden at VDNG is accessible to everyone. All surfaces are solid and non-slip for easy movement. Next to the regular beds for therapeutic gardening, there are raised mobile and stationary beds for those who find it more comfortable to work standing or sitting. There are many places to relax, both in the sun and in the shade. Benches with backrests and armrests are located throughout the territory to make it easier for people to sit down and get up. And nearby, there is enough space for a wheelchair or pram. There is also a drinking fountain on the territory of the Garden.

Thanks to charitable donations, we were able to complete the project on time in October 2025 and present it at the opening to the First Lady of Ukraine, Olena Zelenska, and the Minister of Health of Ukraine, Viktor Lyashko.

With the help of charitable funds, we were able to improve the garden, namely:

• Purchase and installation of benches with backrests and armrests, taking into account the principles of universal design and the needs of people with disabilities
• Manufacture and installation of a round pond, which is one of the key features of the garden and serves a therapeutic function
• Installation of lighting equipment designed specifically for the therapeutic garden: it creates meditative routes throughout the territory and an atmosphere of comfort and safety
• Purchase of chairs to be used during group therapy sessions in the garden
• Purchase and installation of a drinking fountain and awnings for the general comfort of all visitors to the garden and to increase the attractiveness of the space
• Purchase of plants

Report

Descriptive report Financial report 1-6 financial documents 7-8 financial documents