Local residents who have not had a chance to visit the healing gardens in Lebanon are missing out on a world-class opportunity. The three healing gardens offer local residents and visitors a chance to experience top-notch landscaping and horticulture that exemplify beauty and tranquility through the use of water features, plants from around the world, and exceptional design. Healing gardens are designed to promote healing and provide a place of peace and refuge for patients, families and staff. The three Lebanon gardens, developed by world-renowned Japanese landscape designer Hoichi Kurisu at the behest of the Lebanon Community Hospital Foundation, are located at Samaritan Lebanon Community Hospital, at the entrance to the Samaritan Health Sciences Campus across the street from the hospital, and next to the Boulder Falls Inn Event Center on the Health Sciences Campus.
Healing Garden at Samaritan Lebanon Community Hospital
The Healing Garden was developed in 2004 and provides a sanctuary for rest, regeneration and reconnection. Centrally located within the hospital complex, the 11,000-square-foot garden is fully accessible to patients and staff. It can be viewed from birthing center patient rooms, infusion stations, the hallway, dining area and conference rooms.
Samaritan Health Sciences Campus Entrance Garden
The Entrance Garden, developed in 2009, features waterfalls, Japanese foliage and pathways. The garden covers three‐quarters of an acre and features 625 tons of artistically arranged boulders and a waterfall with a meandering path.
Samaritan Health Sciences Campus Garden
Located next to Boulder Falls Inn Event Center, this 1-acre Japanese garden was developed
in 2013 and expanded in 2015. It features a large pond with koi fish, 1,500 tons of boulders, more
than 6,200 feet of walking paths, multiple gazebos and several trees from Hoichi Kurisu’s
personal stock. The garden, accessed from the hotel (where parking is free), is open to the public for free.
Learn About the Gardens
- Garden tours are held on the second Friday of every month, from April through September, at 10 a.m. The one-hour tour will guide visitors through Samaritan Health Sciences Campus Entrance Garden and Campus Garden. Learn about their history and how they’re cared for, while enjoying the tranquil atmosphere
- Stroll for Well-being is a seven-week program designed to help participants experience the restorative power of nature. Through guided walks and reflective journaling, participants learn to appreciate the sensory stimulation of a garden environment and engage in mindful practices to promote overall health and well-being. Each participant will receive a Stroll for Well-being reflection journal to use during their weekly self-guided walks in the Samaritan Health Sciences Campus Garden, located next to Boulder Falls Inn Event Center in Lebanon. This program is supported by Samaritan Health Services, Samaritan Lebanon Community Hospital Foundation and grant funding provided through TMS. For more information or to register, contact Brandy O’Bannon at [email protected].
Support for the Gardens
Community support ensures the upkeep and sustainability of the gardens and enables events
and programs that promote the use of the gardens for healing and wellness. Gifts to the Lebanon Community Hospital Foundation’s Healing Garden Endowment are tax-deductible and can be made
at samhealth.org/GiveLCHF or by contacting O’Bannon at the above email address.
Volunteer/Visit
The foundation is seeking volunteers interested in learning more about the history of the gardens and helping foster the gardens through light weeding and upkeep once a month. Meet new friends, learn about plants and watch the beauty of the gardens through the seasons. To learn about volunteer opportunities contact Sheryl Cox at (541) 451‐7062. or [email protected]. For more information about Samaritan’s gardens, or to schedule a group tour, call the Lebanon Community Hospital Foundation at (541) 451‐7063 or visit samhealth.org/ LebanonHealingGardens.