The Garden of Tranquillity

The Garden of Tranquillity is a Therapeutic Garden established in the STAR Courtyard at Palmerston North Hospital. It was opened on Monday, 6 March 2006.

The Garden's setting within the internal courtyard adjacent to Ward 21 Mental Health Unit, the STAR Wards, Rehab Unit, the Chapel and the Women's and Child Health block, provides a safe and tranquil outdoor environment for patients, staff, family, friends and visitors that is relaxing, inviting and home-like. 

The Garden is open to the public and visitors are welcome.

It is visited by many on a daily basis, as evidenced by the need to frequently restock the free information sheets and maps provided at the garden site.   

Access to the Garden of Tranquillity is by Gate 2, Heretaunga Street, or STAR Reception, or via the Main Entrance, Ruahine Street.  

The Garden's opening marked the culmination of a number of years' dedicated effort by the Garden of Tranquillity Project Team, in conjunction with MidCentral Health.  

Funding was sought from various sources, public and private, including a grant from the Palmerston North City Council's Local Initiatives Fund. 

In light of the success of the Garden of Tranquillity at Palmerston North Hospital, there has been considerable interest in the overall concept of a “healing and contemplative” garden available to the wider community, the general public and visitors to our city. 

The Garden of Tranquillity will be sited in a beautiful setting at The Victoria Esplanade and is included in the Esplanade Master Plan 2008. 

Therapeutic Gardens are few in New Zealand hospitals;  MidCentral Health acknowledges the Garden as an asset and leads the way for other District Health Boards to emulate. The Palmerston North City Council leads the way in providing a similar Garden for the well-being of our community.

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