Giving hope a place to grow: Victoria General
Hospital’s Miracle Garden Its design draws on healing garden traditions from around the globe, sharing Western, Eastern, and indigenous
methods.The four common primal elements of earth, water, air, and fire are celebrated throughout the garden.
Left: A place to sit, a waterfall and nature. Right: An iron gate to Victoria General Hospital Miracle Garden. Erin Girouard
for quiet reflection and a serene refuge to relax and enjoy the outdoors.
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According to the research of California celebrity cooking editor Russ Parsons, the belief that plants and gardens are beneficial to patients in a healthcare setting has been prominent in Asian and Western cultures for over 1,000 years. Research shows that therapeutic benefits of gardens include relief from the stress that most often accompa- nies illness and treatment, alleviation of actual physi- cal symptoms and less need for medication. Over the last 30 years, studies completed by pioneer behavioural scientists Stephen Kaplan and R.S. Ulrich provide tangible evidence that patients, families, and staff in healthcare facilities benefit from access to nature. Victoria General Hospital’s Miracle Garden will of- fer patients, families, staff and the community an en- vironment designed to help heal both the body and the spirit. The 13,000-square-foot garden will wrap around the Buhler Cancer Centre, allowing patients experiencing the physical and emotional trauma of chemotherapy to have a private view of this vibrant yet calming space. Winnipeg landscape architect Monica Giesbrecht has conducted extensive research pertaining to healing
ature is known to rejuvenate the spirit and re- invigorate the soul. A garden is often a place to nurture emotional health, a peaceful space
gardens. She designed the Vic’s Miracle Garden with her associates at Hilderman Thomas Frank Cram Landscape Architecture & Planning.
“The Miracle Garden is designed as a special outdoor oasis that will bring the VGH community into closer contact with the healing power of nature. The garden will provide places for contemplation, relaxation and play for people of diverse cultural backgrounds, reli- gious beliefs and ages in all our prairie seasons,” she noted.
“The design of the garden draws on healing gar- den and botanical therapy traditions from around the globe, sharing and honouring Western, Eastern, and indigenous ways of healing with all visitors. The four primal elements of earth, water, air, and fire – universal to all of these traditions – are celebrated throughout the garden,” said Giesbrecht.
This $1.5 million project will include a large water feature and pond, comfortable varied seating, a unique fabric shade structure, and an interactive sculpture that doubles as a children’s play area. These active areas are surrounded by a colourful prairie sun garden, a fra- grant rose garden, a vibrant spring bulb garden, a lush and cool shade garden and mature trees that attract wildlife while providing a dynamic changing environ- ment. The garden features Manitoba natives and culti- vars that are known for their curative properties, such as birch, wild rose and lady fern. The Miracle Garden will also include tranquil con- templative areas, serene seating enclaves, and fam-
ily gathering spots which are designed to create a welcoming setting for patients, families and attending staff, especially those seeking a moment of respite from the stress of dealing with illness.
The garden will be used in all our Winnipeg seasons.
Winter celebrations can take place around a firepit, while the water wall and light sculpture will bring vi- sual delight both inside and outside the building for our long winter nights.
The Miracle Garden will provide the surrounding community with a healing and soothing environment for years to come. It will be capable of hosting thera- peutic classes, staff exercise programs, talks or spiritual gatherings.
Wide walkways, low level lighting and comfortable seating will ensure the garden is accessible to everyone, including those with wheelchairs, mobility aids or re- spiratory equipment.
The Victoria General Hospital Miracle Garden will be a meeting place, a place for celebration and joy, and a community asset to be enjoyed by all. A groundbreaking for the Miracle Garden is sched- uled to take place June 4. Over $1,146,400 has been raised for the $1.5 mil- lion garden. If you would like to support the Victoria General Hospital Miracle Garden, please contact Vic- toria General Hospital Foundation at 204-477-3513 or online at
www.thevicfoundation.ca Erin Girouard is communications assistant at the Victo- ria General Hospital Foundation.
MAY 2013
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