For veterans, a place where peace can take root
John Follmer prunes back plants at the Japanese garden on the West LA Veterans Affairs campus in April. Stella Kalinina for NPR hide caption John Follmer is an Iraq war vet and an adviser to Los Ang…
John Follmer prunes back plants at the Japanese garden on the West LA Veterans Affairs campus in April. Stella Kalinina for NPR hide caption John Fol
Read Full Story at NPR News →Why This Matters
The healing power of nature for veterans emerging from the mental and emotional toll of war is often understated in public discourse. Places like the Japanese garden at the West LA Veterans Affairs campus represent more than just tranquility—they offer a structured, culturally resonant path to recovery for those who have faced unparalleled stress. This intersection of horticultural therapy and veteran care challenges traditional models of rehabilitation, signaling a shift toward holistic, community-centered healing.
Background Context
The West LA VA campus sits on land that was once part of a 19th-century military reservation, its history intertwined with the U.S. military’s evolving relationship with its veterans. Over the decades, the campus has expanded into a sprawling healthcare and residential complex, but its underutilized green spaces have only recently been repurposed for therapeutic use. Meanwhile, post-9/11 veterans face rising rates of PTSD and suicide, prompting the VA to explore alternative treatments beyond pharmaceuticals and talk therapy.
What Happens Next
If programs like the Japanese garden gain traction, they could pressure the VA to integrate more nature-based therapies into standard care protocols, potentially reducing reliance on medication. Funding and scalability will be critical hurdles, as will ensuring these spaces remain accessible to veterans of all mobility levels. Watch for pilot programs at other VA facilities and partnerships with local botanical gardens or horticultural nonprofits.
Bigger Picture
Veteran care is increasingly recognizing that recovery isn’t one-size-fits-all, and nature therapy reflects a broader movement toward integrative health solutions. This aligns with global trends in mental health, where biophilic design and outdoor exposure are gaining empirical support. For a generation of veterans reentering civilian life, such initiatives may also help bridge the gap between military service and civilian identity.
