Case Study of the Use of Organic Land Care Practices at a Health Care Campus
SUNNYBROOK HEALTH SCIENCES CENTRE
Sunnybrook Health Services Centre is a major cancer research and treatment centre located in Toronto, situated on approximately 100 acres of land that includes a blend of gardens, lawn and woods. The diverse and beautiful grounds at Sunnybrook act as an extension of the treatment and care provided by the centre, helping to maximize the health benefits for staff, patients and visitors, while also providing a myriad of ecological benefits.
APPROACH TO DESIGN
CONNECT LANDSCAPE HEALTH TO HUMAN HEALTH
Throughout history, nature has acted as aid in the healing process. Recent studies show that access to green spaces contributes to positive health outcomes such as enhanced psychological wellbeing, better pain management and increased physical activity. At Sunnybrook, the landscapes are integrated into the centre’s health promotion and self-care initiatives, which include physical mobility, emotional relaxation and spiritual care. As such, health workers and staff, as well as patients and families, are encouraged to visit the outdoor spaces for relaxation, respite and restoration.
Since 2005, Sunnybrook’s groundskeeping team, led by Head Groundskeeper Rohan Harrison, has worked to optimize the ecological health of the grounds. This has resulted in the adoption of 100% organic land care practices to build soil health, which in turn contributes to plant and tree health. As described by Mr. Harrison, “like in humans, proper nutrition (soil management) is the foundation to create and maintain a healthy, environmentally-friendly and sustainable landscape – that heals!”
INCREASE BIODIVERSITY AND TREE COVERAGE
In addition to the adoption of ecologically centred maintenance practices by transitioning to soil health and organic land care, the groundskeeping team has increased total plant and tree coverage and overall biodiversity.
Over the last decade, with donations from the national organization Tree Canada, and volunteers organized though the Highway of Heroes Living Tribute Campaign led by Landscape Ontario and well-known gardener Marc Cullen, Sunnybrook has increased the tree canopy by planting over 1170 native trees of 21 species. Currently, the tree canopy is at 32% and the goal is to reach a 40% tree coverage, which is well above the current average tree canopy coverage in the city of Toronto. In the summer of 2020, Sunnybrook planted 500 trees to establish an arboretum, thanks to a donation from Grand Trees Climate Solutions through the Highway of Heroes Living Tribute.
DESIGN GARDENS FOR DIFFERENT PURPOSES
With support from donors and partners, Sunnybrook has increased the number and diversity of gardens to create points of interest close to the health care facilities. These include a healing garden, a therapeutic garden, beds of edible and medicinal plants, a community planted garden and a butterfly garden, as well as a labyrinth. The diverse gardens offer places for relaxation and rejuvenation for health care staff, patients, caregivers and visitors.
ROHAN’S TIPS FOR PLANT SELECTION
Take the time to select plants and trees suited to the existing growing conditions and for any specific purposes, such as windbreaks and shade.
Include native plants that require minimal maintenance as a way to reduce energy-intensive practices and maintenance time.
Plant native species to provide habitat and food for dwindling pollinator species. Bees, butterflies and birds spark joy and are good indicators of ecological health.
Promote multi-story planting to encourage greater biodiversity, interest and privacy. Greater plant biodiversity ensures increased tolerance to adverse conditions and increases plants’ ability to withstand attacks from both insects and disease.
Design garden beds - sensory gardens, contemplative gardens, edible gardens - so that each garden will resonate with different people at different times. Provide Interpretive signs to engage visitors and raise awareness about the plants or the purpose of the gardens.
Incorporate plant species that are medicinal or offer healing properties.
Plant companion plants to attract beneficial insects, repel pests and provide nutrients or offer support for each other.
OUTCOMES OF IMPLEMENTING ECOLOGICAL LAND CARE PRACTICES
ENERGY AND COST SAVINGS
Sunnybrook keeps over 95% of all landscape debris out of the municipal waste stream. Staff compost nearly all plant and kitchen vegetable waste, and they chip fallen trees and shrubs to re-use on-site as either compost or mulch. Grass clippings are left on lawns to decompose and cycle nutrients back into the soil, reducing or eliminating the need for mineral and synthetic fertilizers. This saves cost too.
Groundskeeping staff have tested different types of turf crop to find one that reduces maintenance time and energy. They also spread compost on the turf, and apply mycorrhizae, which has improved the look and health of Sunnybrook’s extensive lawns. Experience has shown that organic land care reduces pest and disease pressures, which ultimately eliminates the need to introduce environmentally harmful chemicals.
INCREASED INSTITUTIONAL KNOWLEDGE
By supporting an approach to land care that takes into consideration human and ecological health, Sunnybrook has significantly increased its institutional knowledge on the care and maintenance of extensive grounds using regenerative and ecologically sustainable practices. At the same time, Sunnybrook has documented and published results of their approach, which has increased staff, patients and the wider community’s knowledge and understanding of the interconnectedness of the health of humans and their natural environment.ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS
Resulting from proactive initiatives in the last decade or so, Sunnybrook has increased the tree canopy, improved soil health, added diversity of plants to host insects, birds and other species, reduced water consumption, removed invasive species and recycled all landscape debris. These actions have resulted in numerous environmental benefits and they contribute to Sunnybrook’s Energy and Sustainability goals.
GOING FORWARD Since 2005, Sunnybrook’s Lead Groundskeeper and his team have maintained and cared for the hundred acres of land surrounding Sunnybrook using methods that support human and environmental wellbeing and that foster an integrated approach to health care and health promotion at Sunnybrook. This has required leadership, training, collaboration and dedication. The following is a list of foundational activities that Sunnybrook has learned are important to ensure support and to engage the wider community on the value of optimizing land health for human health. Ongoing Communication with all Stakeholders, including Senior Management
Host Public and Community Events to Build Support Host annual activities, such as on National Tree Day, to bring staff, caregivers, patients and partners together to appreciate the grounds and engage in activities such as tree planting Share information with the wider community on the value of nature to human health and wellbeing, and how healthy, ecologically sound landscapes contribute to healing and wellness. Collaborate with partners such as not-for-profit organizations, designers, horticulturalists, researchers, politicians and government officials to bring additional resources together to achieve mutually defined goals Invest in Groundskeeper Staff Training and Institutional Knowledge
PROFESSIONAL EXPERTISE/CREDENTIALS Rohan Harrison, Lead Groundskeeper, Sunnybrook Health Centre Environmental Services, as well as two other staff, are graduates of the Organic Land Care Accreditation Course from Gaia College. The professional course is designed for those who have previous landscaping experience. The course covers transitioning landscapes to organic care, soil biology and soil system management, water management and health within ecosystems. The 30-hour Organic Land Care course is delivered on-site for groups of 10 or more, typically delivered over 5 days, spread over a 3-week period. Gaia College also offers the course online. |
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Diverse Plantings
Ecological Turf Management
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