The Colorado Master Gardener Program: Planting Gardens, Growing People


Colorado Master Gardener Outreach in Denver County
CMG Efforts with Healing Garden


Chamomile (photo by Alvesgaspar)Linda Meyer knew the medical office space between Craig Hospital and Swedish Medical Center in Englewood was perfect for a garden. Her daughter was attending midwifery training there and the neglected open atrium had a filtered shade and sun exposure perfect for herbs and flowers. The space was also highly trafficked by both patients and medical staff.

With her Colorado Master Gardener experience, Linda organized a planting plan with input from the building’s employees and proceeded with soil testing, a drip irrigation system and plants paid for by the building’s owner. The soil was amended before planting and new mothers affiliated with the midwifery program did the planting. Brass plant tags identify the 90 fragrant herbs and bright flowers in the garden for all the building’s visitors and practitioners benefit. The garden is now a place to linger and get centered in a medical world that’s often stressful. The comfort brought by the garden is a therapy in itself.


Contact Us

CSU Extension, Denver County Office
     888 E Iliff Ave.
     Denver, CO 80210
     Phone: 720-913-5270
     Fax: 720-913-5289
Denver CMG Help Line: 720-913-5278
Denver CMG Email: denvermg@ext.colostate.edu
Denver CMG Web: http://www.coopext.colostate.edu/4dmg/

Horticultural Staff