Gardening and tending to plants may seem like a tedious task to some, but to others it can result in an improved sense of wellbeing and mental health outcomes.

This practice is called horticultural therapy, and has been utilised at the St Vincent’s hospital in Kings Cross, Sydney by not just patients but hospital staff.

Sara Wilkinson and Fiona Orr from the University of Technology Sydney have collaborated on a project to bring more interactive green spaces to hospitals to provide patients and staff somewhere and something they can turn their attention to for a few hours a week.