TABLE 3.
Plants proposed for the occupation therapy area and their features.
| Species | Therapeutic effects | Decorative elements | Tactile experience | Plant type/growth habit/decorative period |
| Ferns | Stress reduction, connection to nature due to its texture; air purification; attracts bees and butterflies (Lee and Shin, 2010) | Delicate, feathery foliage in various nuances of green | Soft, feathery, finely textured fronds offer a delicate tactile experience | Perennial/herbaceous/ spring to fall |
| Heuchera sp. | Raises interest and creates a relaxing environment due to diverse foliage colors (Xu et al., 2023) | Colorful foliage in shade of green, purple, bronze, silver; delicate bell-shaped flowers | Diverse textures from smooth, slightly ruffled, or veined leaves; delicate small flowers | Perennial/herbaceous/ spring to fall |
| Juniperus horizontalis | Calming effects, has evergreen foliage that can create a sense of stability and continuity; provides nesting opportunities for birds (Cantrell et al., 2014) | Attractive blue-green foliage | Needle-like foliage, spiky texture | Perennial/shrub/year-round |
| Astilbe arendsii | Attracts pollinators, promotes relaxation (Kharchenko et al., 2016) | Plumes of flowers in various colors | Feathery flowers | Perennial/herbaceous/ spring to late summer |
| Cerastium tomentosum | Provides visual contrast and rises interest; attractive to bees and other pollinators (Khalaf and Stace, 2001) | Silvery foliage and masses of small star shaped white flowers | Soft, velvet textured leaves | Perennial/herbaceous/ spring to fall |
| Primula Veris | Colorful flowers can uplift moods and reduce stress stimulating the senses; attracts bees and butterflies (Tarapatskyy et al., 2021) | Bright colorful flowers | Smooth flowers with silky texture | Perennial/herbaceous/ spring |
| Yucca filamentosa | Provides visual interest; attracts pollinators (Althoff et al., 2005) | Sword-shaped leaves and creamy-white bell-shaped flowers | Stiff leaves | Perennial/shrub/year-round |
| Cotoneaster procumbens | Calming effects, has evergreen foliage that can create a sense of stability and continuity provides habitat for wildlife (Dmitruk et al., 2022) | White small flowers, red berries | Smooth, glossy textured leaves | Perennial/shrub/year-round |
| Lobelia erinus | Colorful flowers can uplift moods and reduce stress stimulating the senses; attractive to butterflies (Folquitto et al., 2019) | Tubular flowers in shades of blue, violet, pink or white | Smooth leaves, delicate flowers | Annual/herbaceous/late spring to early autumn |
| Aquilegia vulgaris | Graceful nodding flowers that can promote relaxation, offer visual stimulation, and attract pollinators (Hassan et al., 2010) | Various colored flowers | Lacy leaves with soft flowers | Perennial/herbaceous/late spring to early summer |