Master Gardener Foundation Celebration at St. Joseph Medical Center Therapy Garden

BELLINGHAM, Wash. — PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center marked the newly renovated therapy garden on Friday, June 26, with a celebration bringing together caregivers and community partners to honor the healing power of nature.

The renovation was made possible through a generous donation from the St. Joseph Medical Center Foundation, with design, installation and ongoing stewardship support provided by The Master Gardener Foundation of Whatcom County. The partnership reflects a shared commitment to creating spaces that promote healing, well-being and connection for patients, visitors and caregivers.

Designed as a peaceful and restorative environment, the therapy garden supports physical, emotional and mental well-being. Research shows that access to green spaces 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.

The newly enhanced garden includes improved accessibility, diverse and sensory-rich plantings and year-round visual interest. A central feature is three wheelchair-accessible raised beds, ensuring people of all abilities can fully engage with the space—whether through planting, watering or simply enjoying the surroundings.

A Space That Inspires Healing and Connection

Caregivers say the garden has already become an essential part of the care environment.

“Gardening is so close to my heart, and for PeaceHealth to have this small feature, it just means so much,” said one caregiver.

“I take almost all of my breaks out here—it’s a perfect getaway from the hectic and busy environment I spend my entire day in,” shared another caregiver.

Caregivers also note the impact on patient care and overall well-being.

“It’s a beautiful space for people to gather and gives folks an opportunity to connect with nature while at the hospital,” one caregiver said. “It makes such a difference in our patients’ days—many speak so highly about it that it’s the highlight of their day.”

Another added, “It allows me to bring tranquility, peace and safety to my patients and myself during the times that test us as people. It brings us back to humanity.”

Patients Experience Meaningful Benefits

Patients have also found comfort and renewal in the garden, describing it as an important part of their healing journey.

“It’s a really nice space to get fresh air and move around some,” said one patient.

“It’s a healing place that allows for introspection, and helps us get some different therapies—exercise and watering,” another shared.

For many, the connection to nature is especially meaningful during recovery. “The therapy garden gives us an opportunity to connect with the outdoors, and it’s so critical to the healing process,” said another patient.

“I really like watering the garden—it makes me feel better and reminds me of my garden at home that I’m away from right now,” one patient shared. “Visiting helps to lift my spirits on the really hard days.”

Looking Ahead

Building on this successful partnership, PeaceHealth plans to continue working with The Master Gardener Foundation of Whatcom County to expand therapy garden offerings as part of the future Peter Paulsen Pavilion. The vision is to further integrate therapeutic outdoor spaces into the care environment, enhancing opportunities for healing, rehabilitation and reflection for years to come.

The reopening event marks not only the completion of a renovation but also a renewed commitment to whole-person care—supporting body, mind and spirit through thoughtful design and community collaboration.

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.