This spectacular courtyard garden provides relief to patients, staff, visitors and the neighboring community through an array of micro-settings. A historic entry arch, salvaged from the building construction, forms a gateway entry from an adjacent neighborhood pocket park and aligns with the focal point of the garden, the labyrinth. Surrounding the labyrinth, the design team implemented circular path lined with diverse seating areas – the pergola-covered terrace, council ring and elevated west patio. The backbone of St. Mary’s care is reflected in the five values planters. Each circular planter is named – Compassion, Respect, Excellence, Stewardship and Community.
The viewing gardens near the building’s large windows offer a warm and welcoming view from the interior. The gardens are rich in plantings with water features of bubbling stones and stream channels. The bi-level patio spaces offer seating and gathering areas near flowing water and specialty evergreens.
The Gardens at St. Mary’s Hospital has received numerous awards including: Best New Development or Renovation for Health Care, Madison’s In Business Magazine; Best in Category Remodel or Renovation from Healthcare Design Magazine; Merit Award from the Wisconsin Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects.
