Marianne's GardenThe Garden was named "Marianne's Garden" in honor of Marianne Marks, a beloved VA employee who passed away in 1999. Her daughter, Melanie, worked closely with the Fisher House staff to create a garden her mother would have loved. (Read a message from Marianne's family).
Marianne's Garden brings the added benefit of giving guests, especially those who love to Garden, a happy distraction. As families contend with being away from the familiarity of home and dealing with the medical needs of a loved one, it can be the everyday tasks like cooking or folding laundry that provide a feeling of normalcy, a sense of control when so much else is out of their control. In such a situation, what could be better than taking some time outdoors to sit, rest, and enjoy nature. |
The Healing GardensThe Healing Gardens were a joint venture between the then 'Friends of VA Puget Sound Fisher House' and the University of Washington. Professor Daniel Winterbottom of the School of Landscape Architecture Design/Build program has designed healing gardens all over the world.
Phase I was completed in 2010, and Phase II was completed in 2013. In both cases, the process began with students meeting with focus groups of Fisher House and VA staff as well as Houseguests to imagine what the garden could be. Students worked in groups to translate those visions into preliminary designs. Once approved, the students (with the help of some fantastic volunteers) did all the work of regrading, construction, and planting. The healing gardens beautifully fulfill their intended purpose: to soothe the souls and refresh the spirits of the military and Veteran families staying at the VA Puget Sound Fisher House. The House is already a haven for the families who stay there, and the Healing Garden extends that haven to the surrounding garden area, providing families with a place to rest, restore and heal. |