The Gardens
at SSM Health St. Mary's Hospital - Madison
Rich in heritage and symbolism, The Gardens of SSM Health St. Mary's 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 to all that the mission of the sisters continues to grow. Various areas of the gardens 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 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.
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. To order an engraved tile, or for more information, please contact the Foundation office by email or phone at 608-258-5600.
Historic Arch
The reconstruction of the arched entry to the original hospital sets a tone of welcome for the garden, just as it did nearly a century ago for all who came for care.
The original structure provided the clay tile roof, much of the stonework and the col-12 on the front. Replica scones were added, and additional col-12 were fabricated to provide a base for the cedar pergola.
The arch is dedicated to all the sisters who served SSM Health St. Mary's Hospital - Madison throughout the 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 SSM Health St. Mary's Hospital - Madison 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 sister's 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.