Rochester General Health System
Rochester General Hospital Celebrates Opening of Woodward Healing Garden
(6/4/09)
Unique space features work of some of Rochester’s premier landscape experts.
Physicians and staff at Rochester General Hospital today celebrated the dedication of the Woodward Healing Garden, a project that represents both the Hospital’s commitment to creating a warm and welcoming environment for patients and visitors, and providing a superior patient experience. The healing garden is named in honor of the Grace and Bernard Woodward family, generous donors to the Hospital.
The Woodward Healing Garden, one of a just a small number in upstate New York, is located in a courtyard adjacent to an interior walkway that connects Rochester General Hospital and the adjacent Medical Office Building.
The vision for the Garden was inspired by several Rochester General physicians and Rev. Christine Baker, director of spiritual care services at Rochester General. They sought to create a space where patients and families could go to find peace and solitude that could aid in their healing journey.
”The Woodward Healing Garden is a natural extension of the wonderful care our clinical staff provides to each and every one of our patients,” said Rev. Baker. “It provides a place where patients and their loved ones can relax in quiet, contemplative surroundings and simply enjoy the spirituality and beauty of nature.”
Two of the Rochester area’s premier landscape firms, Zaretsky and Associates and Broccolo Tree & Lawn Care, combined their experience and expertise to create a place of healing that also enhanced the overall aesthetics of Rochester General Hospital. Bruce Zaretsky, Rochester’s only certified designer for healing gardens, and Sharon Coates, developed the architectural plans while Laurie and Albert Broccolo applied their knowledge of the environmental community to focus on the connection patients, families and staff will have with the garden. 
In addition, Albert Broccolo and Sharon Coates, co-owner of the Zaretsky and Associates, contributed artistic efforts for the garden. The design incorporates a patio, pergola, faux waterfall display, custom made roof planters with vines, and raised planters featuring plants of texture and fragrance.
“It has been scientifically documented that garden views and the gardens themselves shorten the length of hospital stays, reduce the amount of pain medication needed, and improve the mental well-being of patients,” said Bruce Zaretsky. “Natural habitats act as therapeutic, healing tools; they lower blood pressure and reduce stress. But these environments are not just beneficial for patients: they are also there to allow staff and patients’ families to decompress. And nature heals; it’s just that simple.”
“Rochester General Hospital needed a place for patients, families and staff to escape,” said Laurie Broccolo. “Seeing nature and connecting with nature, such as butterflies and birds, can have a restorative affect in reducing mental stress.”
There are specific criteria that are required for a proper healing garden that the Woodward Healing Garden features. They include:
- Smooth, paved surfaces that make it easy for wheelchairs and walkers and hospital beds
- Touchable plants that are within reach
- Private spaces for contemplation, and conversations
- Moveable furniture so that people can take a chair to a quiet corner and rearrange as needed
- Lighting that makes the garden inviting and useable at night
- Heaters for shelter areas that extends use in cooler months
The Woodward Healing Garden’s planning and implementation spanned approximately one year. It is open to patients, families and visitors from 7:00 am – 9:00 pm, seven days a week.
Media Contact
Michael Tedesco
(585) 922-3677
michael.tedesco@rochestergeneral.org
Contact:
