Northwell’s Phelps Hospital has opened its new Serenity Garden, a transformative, therapeutic space designed to support mental health, wellness and rejuvenation for patients, visitors and staff. More than just a garden, it reflects the hospital’s profound commitment to holistic healing, providing a tranquil oasis on its 69-acre campus.
The $360,000 donor-funded project is the third installment in Phelps’ innovative FARMacy program, a series of green spaces promoting healing through nature. Situated next to the hospital’s main entrance, the Serenity Garden features a pavilion with a slatted roof that adjusts to sunlight and airflow, alongside a calming water feature, comfortable benches and ambient lighting. Designed by specialists in therapeutic gardens, it thoughtfully incorporates plants native to the area and uses environmentally conscious porous paving, creating an immersive and peaceful retreat.
Spending time in nature has been proven to reduce stress and lower blood pressure, while engaging the senses through color, texture, fragrance and sound. This sensory engagement is particularly therapeutic for mental health, helping shift focus from internal distress toward a state of relaxation. The Serenity Garden leverages these benefits with lavender for its calming scent, colorful perennials, trees and shrubs that attract birds and butterflies and the soothing sound of the fountain to encourage mindfulness. Together, these elements create a “positive distraction,” helping visitors focus on the natural world rather than on ailments.
“Healing gardens in health care settings are a tradition that goes back centuries, and we are incredibly fortunate to have such a beautiful campus at Phelps that makes spaces like this possible,” said Jill Scibilia, vice president, foundation at Phelps Hospital.
The grand opening ceremony drew community leaders, including New York State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins and Westchester County Executive Kenneth Jenkins.
“At a time when mental health challenges are around and touching in every community, Phelps is leading the way and showing what compassionate action looks like,” Jenkins said. “We know healing comes in many forms. Sometimes it’s a peaceful meditation, a walk along the garden path, or a chance to just take a deep breath in a place that feels safe and welcome. And that’s what the Serenity Garden will offer to patients, families, and staff.”
The Serenity Garden underscores Phelps’ core values by offering a vital connection to nature for patients facing behavioral health challenges. It complements traditional care, providing a calming space for participants in Phelps’ 28-day rehabilitation program. Inpatient and outpatient behavioral health teams collaborated with facilities, engineering, project management and development staff to ensure the garden would meet the needs of both patients and community members.
“This Serenity Garden is a profound embodiment of our commitment at Phelps Hospital to comprehensive well-being,” said Beata Mastalerz, DNP, RN, SVP, president of Phelps Hospital. “We firmly believe that true health integrates mind, body and spirit, and this beautiful space allows us to extend healing beyond our hospital walls, offering a vital sanctuary for our patients, staff and community.”
The FARMacy garden series also includes the Peas and Quiet Garden, which donates produce to food-insecure patients, and the Intergenerational Garden, which fosters connection by bringing together young children to learn about growing produce.
