The UW Medical Center (UWMC) is an award-winning healthcare facility that is recognized as one of the top clinical, research, and educational medical centers in the world. As a teaching hospital, it benefits greatly from its association with several of the UWs schools including the Schools of Dentistry, Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, Psychology, Social Work, Public Health, etc. It also benefits greatly from one of the most creative and active landscape and horticultural staffs around. The UW campus as a whole is well known for its many and diverse gardens but the UCMC gardens are under the watchful eyes and busy hands of Mel Hearn, Gardener Lead for the part of campus in which UWMC is located. Having tended the UWMC grounds for many years he takes his job very seriously and realized the role it plays in the healing process of both patients and staff, something that Dr. Ed Walker, UWMC Medical Director recognizes as well.The gardens at UWMC are truly extensive ranging from small gardens featuring brightly colored annuals to expansive artistically sculptured reflection ponds and courtyard gardens. There are even a few areas accessible only by ladder (though they can be viewed easily from patient rooms). UWMC has a formal healing garden but there are certainly many other informal such gardens scattered around the campus as well. The medical center itself has been expanded and remodeled countless times allowing for all sorts of secret gardens, courtyard groves, and areas to showcase exterior art and sculpture pieces. The new NBBJ-designed surgery pavilion has one of the most breathtaking vistas with a wall of windows than leans out over a small forested area. Containers are plentiful as well and offer striking displays in unexpected areas.
The gardens are clearly an important part of the healing environment at UWMC and although the horticultural staff is rarely considered part of the medical team in healthcare, it is easy to understand - especially after experiencing the gardens at UWMC - why many healthcare facilities are putting more thought and effort into the role of gardens in improving health outcomes.
