WINSTON-SALEM – Overall, it’s considerably greener this summer at Novant Health Clemmons Medical Center, thanks in large part to the recent work by the Advance Garden Club’s volunteers. There are trees, bushes and shrubs of various shades and a nice view of an open field out back.

The new garden officially opened with the addition of the new inpatient wing at the hospital last year and just recently bloomed for the first time. The garden area is maintained in part by the Advance organization and was built through donations to Novant Health Clemmons Medical Center Foundation.

For those who haven’t seen it, the garden is adjacent to the hospital’s transitional care and infusion suite and is visible to patients (particularly those sitting for infusions), family members and Novant Health team members. Not to mention, the garden offers a spot to eat and for hospital guests to get a bit of fresh air.

“We frequently receive comments from patients receiving infusions that it is a wonderful place to receive care with large windows, natural light and the garden as a backdrop,” said Nicole Brenner, director of operations at Clemmons Medical Center. “Visitors and team members alike take advantage of the space and words like ‘calming’ and ‘refreshing’ are descriptors that come up often.”

Brenner said the Advance Garden Club has been a great partner with maintaining, and even enhancing, the hospital’s garden area. In fact, the club recently added large flower pots to the space to provide shapes and colors for visitors to enjoy.

Sharon Murphy, who retired as head of the Derrick L. Davis Cancer Center at Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center, is spearheading the project and is also a big proponent for the healing power of nature.

“Club members take turns planting, weeding and watering the plants throughout the year,” Murphy said. “As the seasons change additional flowers will be added. We will also be adding a birdhouse and a butterfly house.”

For more information about contributing to this and other Novant Health Clemmons Medical Center Foundation projects, contact Heather Egan at hegan@NovantHealth.org or 336-718-2101.