About this Sacred Place

The 6500 square foot suspended green space is connected to the Family Birth Center as well as the Cardiovascular ICU and family waiting rooms; and is accessible round-the-clock to all hospital patients, visitors and employees. It was designed to accommodate a wide range of physical conditions and abilities and needs.

Among its four-seasons array of plants that are ever-changing are benches, chairs and tables configured to accommodate groups or provide privacy. With the benefit of a canopy of mature trees, The Terrace Garden offers a unique tree top experience.

As one of the projects participating in the Nature Sacred National Awards program, The Terrace Garden has served as a site for research into the relationship between nature and human health. Studies here have focused on the role nature can play in the birth experience of laboring mothers and families; and on nature as a means to combat stress and burnout among nurses.

  Articles & Research for this Sacred Place

Protected: #GivingTuesday where it counts — in the communities on the front lines

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“Therapeutic gardens offer nurses respite at Legacy Health” — KGW8

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New study out: Reduced symptoms of burnout noted in nurses who spent one break a day in a hospital garden

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“Heart of the Hospital” launches

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One to watch: the SHIFT Summit

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Can nature play a positive role before and after birth?

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Nature Meets Healthcare in Portland, Oregon

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“‘Health system studies therapy garden’s effect on ICU nurses'” – Health Facilities Management

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Green spaces as an “under-recognized healer”

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Innovative hospitals incorporate garden design

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