​Let me set the stage for you. I walk down to the first floor of the Center for Integrative Medicine (CIM) building, which is a part of the University of Maryland’s School of Medicine, and down the hallway off to the right of the main entrance until I make it to a sign that says, “Well Room”. The room is the size of a normal office, however, instead of a set of desk and chairs, there is a seated massage chair in the middle and yoga mats laid against the opposite wall. There is an aromatherapy diffuser emitting a soothing lavender scent, soft music coming from a speaker resting on a cabinet, and dim light, gently illuminates the area. I am standing in the doorway of CIM’s brand-new Well Room. 

Construction of an employee garden at MedStar Montgomery Medical Center (MMMC) in collaboration with the Center for Integrative Medicine at the University of Maryland School of Medicine is finally complete!  Conveniently located on the hospital property close to the cafeteria and employee entrance, this space adds natural beauty and functional resources for hospital employees to have access to the natural environment.  The garden will be operated and maintained by the MMMC hospital employees.  The planters along the edge of the sidewalk will be used for growing seasonal vegetables, and the lower beds contain flowers that are native to the area.  In addition to the vegetable garden and a flower garden, there is also outdoor seating for the employees to sit and relax.  Garden aims to add beauty, improve morale and provide edible vegetation to employees.