The Garden of Life is located on the Hershey Medical Center campus adjacent to the main cafeteria.  The garden area was formerly an embankment at the base of a Medical School stair tower covered with overgrown junipers.

 

The concept of the Garden of Life was to offer families of organ donors a place of reflection to commemorate their loved ones’ memories and to recognize their incredible gift of life.

 

The garden is semi-circular with a central fountain representing the wellspring of life.  Radiating outward from the main fountain are three smaller fountains that represent reflection, restoration and renewal.

 

A series of arbor-covered benches line the outer ring of the garden and contain a mixture of cutting flowers, perennials and native trees and shrubs.  The garden also contains a butterfly garden to represent the freedom of the spirit.

 

The Garden of Life is a collaboration between Gift of Life Donor Program and Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center.