The Gardens
Rich in heritage and symbolism, The Gardens of SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital are made possible through gifts to SSM Health St. Mary’s Foundation – Madison. The healing gardens are a monument to SSM Health St. Mary’s roots and a reminder that the mission of the sisters continues to grow. Various areas of the garden have a tangible link to the hospital past and are designed as a healing space for emotional and spiritual growth of patients, staff, and community members alike.
Courtyard Garden
The seed for the Gardens of SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital - Madison was planted here in 1996, when hospital employees held their first-ever Employee Caring Campaign. They wanted to raise money for a peaceful, natural setting that would be a resource for emotional and spiritual needs. Pavers throughout the garden are engraved in honor of people who have made a difference.
Engraved bricks are available with a gift of $150 per brick.
Therapeutic Rooftop Garden
This garden was created as a result of a generous gift from SSM Health St. Mary’s Auxiliary. It’s a place to enjoy a tranquil, scenic and beautiful outdoor space. Its location on top of the second floor provides a unique environment for reflection and relaxation. The path through the garden is constructed of tiles that are available for personalized engraving.
Tiles can be engraved and installed with a gift of $3,000.
Historic Arch
The reconstruction of the arched entry to the original hospital sets a tone of welcome for the garden, just as it did over a century ago for all who came for care.
The arch is dedicated to all the sisters who served SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital – Madison throughout the last century.
Labyrinth
Through the ages, a winding path has symbolized a journey, also providing a way to quiet the mind. This path is wide enough to accommodate people using walkers.
Rosy's Garden
Thanks to a gift from her family, this pink-flower-filled memorial remembers longtime St. Mary’s Hospital volunteer and former Auxiliary president Rosy Flesch.
Sister's Garden
Dedicated to the last two Franciscan Sisters of Mary to serve SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital – Madison, Mary Ellen Lewis and Priscilla Weber, this garden resonated with the sisters’ interest in Earth preservation. It features a statue of St. Joseph, whose faith and fatherly role in Jesus’ life made him a favorite of Mother Odilia, the foundress of the order that built and served SSM Health St. Mary’s.