A botanical oasis offering respite, social connection, and nature engagement to people living with dementia, caregivers, and the wider community.
Inspired by the continuing interest in nature and garden experiences in our community, the Memory and Brain Wellness Center created a therapeutic memory garden for people living with dementia. Named Maude's Garden in honor of our late community member and advocate Maude M. Ferry, this memory garden is uniquely designed to enhance the lives of people living with dementia and their families, as well as provide a relaxing, restorative space for all. The garden serves as a spot for drop-in exploration, socializing, and nature-based activities. This memory garden opened March 2022 at the Memory Hub, located beside the Frye Art Museum.
We applied and built on the key features of therapeutic landscape design in our process of creating a garden for people living with memory loss and their loved ones. The garden design process is ongoing and incorporates feedback from community members living with memory loss and care partners from a focus group in February of 2020, as well as lessons learned from the Garden Discovery Walks program of the MBWC/Seattle Parks and Recreation and a visit to our friends at the Portland Memory Garden.
What's Growing in the Garden
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November Garden Discovery ProgramNovember 01, 2024
In today's November Garden Discovery Program, the group explored the fall garden full of flowers and seed heads, savored herbal tea, and shared thoughts about what they noticed and felt grateful for.
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September Garden Discovery ProgramSeptember 06, 2024
In today's September Garden Discovery Program, we explored the theme of "always alive," which is the translation of "Sempervivum" (Hens and Chicks plants). After the mother plant blooms, it dies; yet little plants growing around its base continue growing, reminding us of the enduring legacies we can all create during our lives.
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A Magical ‘Garden of Inspiration’ Art Show!September 03, 2024
On August 23rd we enjoyed an open-air exhibit of nature-inspired art that was a collaboration between the Memory Hub, UW Memory and Brain Wellness Center, and Elderwise, with support from Era Living Memory Care. The colorful, eclectic art show celebrated nature-inspired art created by the Memory Hub greater community and Elderwise participants, friends and family. The idea was originally inspired by how often Maude's Garden becomes the inspiration for artwork.
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Registration for the FALL Garden Discovery Program Open (Oct . - Dec.)
August 02, 2024
Connect with nature and engage in horticultural therapy activities at Maude's Garden with others living with memory loss and friends and family.
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“Making memories with my brother”: December’s Garden Discovery ProgramDecember 31, 2023
The December Garden Discovery program engaged participants in creating seasonal wreaths with evergreen branches (provided courtesy of Seattle Parks and Recreation), and winter accents such as eucalyptus, holly, and ivy.
Program and Activities Schedule
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Garden Discovery 2025 Kick-Off
Friday, March 7, 2025 at 10:30am
Join us in Maude's Garden at the Memory Hub to see what's emerging this year! Learn what makes this public "memory garden" accessible to people living with memory loss and families and friends, and engage in a plant-inspired activity.
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Garden Discovery Program - Spring
Friday, April 4, 2025 at 10:30am
Join us in the garden at the Memory Hub. Discover changes through the season, engage in nature-based projects, and learn about this public "memory garden," created for people living with dementia and their families in this 3-part series (April 4, May 2, and June 6).
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Garden Discovery Program - Spring
Friday, May 2, 2025 at 10:30am
Join us in the garden at the Memory Hub. Discover changes through the season, engage in nature-based projects, and learn about this public "memory garden," created for people living with dementia and their families in this 3-part series (April 4, May 2, and June 6).
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Garden Discovery Program - Spring
Friday, June 6, 2025 at 10:30am
Join us in the garden at the Memory Hub. Discover changes through the season, engage in nature-based projects, and learn about this public "memory garden," created for people living with dementia and their families in this 3-part series (April 4, May 2, and June 6).
Thank you to our donors and creators:
