In Episode 3 of the BGANZ Grow Well Series, Emma Simpkins from the Auckland Botanic Gardens in Aotearoa New Zealand was joined by landscape designer and researcher Dr Gail Souter-Brown and soil ecology expert Robin Simcock to explore the powerful connection between nature and wellbeing.
The discussion focused on “nature prescriptions” — where healthcare professionals encourage people to spend intentional time in nature to support mental and physical health.
As Dr Brown explained, “Nature is good for us,” with research showing benefits including reduced stress, improved concentration, and stronger social connection.
The conversation also highlighted the importance of thoughtfully designed green spaces. “Not all nature is created equally,” Dr Brown noted, explaining that biodiversity, sensory experiences, places of refuge, and opportunities for stillness all contribute to healthier outcomes.
Robin Simcock also reflected on the value of engaging all the senses in gardens — from the crunch of leaves underfoot to the scent of plants and the sounds of birds and insects.
As part of Botanic Gardens Week 2026 and this year’s theme, Where Your Health Grows, the conversation is a reminder that botanic gardens are far more than beautiful places — they are spaces that can actively support our health and wellbeing every day. Join the Grow Your Health Challenge and discover simple ways to reconnect with nature, slow down, and support your wellbeing through small moments in the garden.
Meet our speakers:
Emma Simpkins
Emma Simpkins is the Education and Partnerships Specialist at Auckland Botanic Gardens as well as the convenor of the BGANZ Botanic Gardens Engagement Network. Emma has also been involved in threatened plant conservation, living collections and records management, and research in botanic gardens.
Galye Souter-Brown
Dr Gayle Souter-Brown, award-winning designer, author, and researcher, is Director of Greenstone Design (NZ) and Greenstone Design UK Ltd, Special Envoy to International Society for Urban Health and Co-Director of the global Urban Health Working Programme for International Federation of Landscape Architects.
Interested in community resilience, long term outcomes and providing a lens for decision making, she translates human-nature interaction, chronic stress and non-communicable disease risk into qualities of the built and natural environment. Passionate about health promotion, mental health, and sustainable development, Gayle champions sensory-rich salutogenic design practices, emphasising ecological health as key to stress reduction and resilience.
When not in the office, you can find her practising what she preaches in a garden or on her lavender farm.
Robyn Simcock
Researcher (for 30 years) with Manaaki Whenua Landcare Research which is now a group within the newly-formed NZ Bioeconomy Institute. Mainly working to recreate native ecosystems in cities, mines and roads. In cities, has a special focus on integrating native ecosystems with stormwater – greenrooves, raingardens, where she has had the privilege of working with Auckland Botanic Gardens and Especially Emma and Bec Stanley for more than 10 years!
