Bellingham, Wash. – St. Joseph Medical Center invites members of the media and community to a celebration marking the renovation of its Therapy Garden on Friday, June 26, at 10 a.m. on the St. Joseph Medical Center campus.
The therapy garden renovation was made possible through a donation from PeaceHealth, with design, installation and ongoing stewardship support provided by The Master Gardener Foundation of Whatcom County.
Designed as a peaceful and restorative space, the therapy garden supports healing and well-being by providing patients, visitors and caregivers access to nature in a calm, welcoming environment. Research shows that therapy gardens can help reduce stress and anxiety, improve mood, encourage gentle movement and rehabilitation and foster emotional resilience during treatment and recovery. For visitors and caregivers, the garden offers a place to pause, reflect and recharge while supporting loved ones during difficult moments.
The renovated garden features improved accessibility, diverse and sensory-rich plantings and year-round visual interest, ensuring the space can be enjoyed by people of all ages and abilities. A central feature of the garden is three raised beds that are wheelchair accessible, ensuring people of all abilities can enjoy the flowers and plantings.
At PeaceHealth, we know that healing extends beyond the walls of our hospitals,” said Chuck Prosper, Chief Executive, PeaceHealth Northwest Region. “Spaces like the therapy garden play an important role in whole-person care by offering patients and families a place of calm, comfort and connection. We are proud to support this renovation and grateful to partner with the Master Gardener Foundation to bring this healing environment to life for our community.”
The Master Gardener Foundation of Whatcom County is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation that works in partnership with the Whatcom County WSU Master Gardener Program. The Foundation raises funds to support the work of Whatcom Master Gardeners as they maintain demonstration gardens and share science-based, sustainable gardening practices throughout the community. Their involvement in the Therapy Garden reflects a shared commitment to healing, education, and community wellness.
“Gardens like this remind us that healing happens not only through medicine, but through moments of calm, beauty and connection to the natural world,” said Vic Knox, President, Master Gardener Foundation of Whatcom County. “Our volunteers are honored to partner with St. Joseph Medical Center to create a space that offers comfort, restoration and hope to patients, families, and caregivers.”
The June 26 celebration will include brief remarks and opportunities for photos and interviews.
Event Details
- Date: Friday, June 26
- Time: 10 a.m.
- Location: St. Joseph Medical Center
2901 Squalicum Parkway, Bellingham, WA 98225
Media are encouraged to attend and help share how partnerships between health care and community organizations create meaningful, healing spaces for patients and families.
About PeaceHealth: PeaceHealth, based in Vancouver, Wash., is a not-for-profit Catholic health system offering care to communities in Washington, Oregon and Alaska. PeaceHealth has approximately 16,000 caregivers, a medical group practice with more than 1,100 providers and nine medical centers serving both urban and rural communities throughout the Northwest. In 1890, the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace founded what has become PeaceHealth. The Sisters shared expertise and transferred wisdom from one medical center to another, always finding the best way to serve the unmet need for healthcare in their communities. Today, PeaceHealth is the legacy of the founding Sisters and continues with a spirit of respect, stewardship, collaboration and social justice in fulfilling its Mission. Visit us online at peacehealth.org.
