Sacred Places
Garden of Hope and Healing
A healing landscape woven into a comprehensive cancer care experience, offering patients, families, and staff a restorative place to find solace in nature.
WHERE
Lincoln, NE
SETTING
Healthcare
FOCAL POINT
The Labyrinth
PARTNER INSTITUTION
Bryan Health
Visit
Where it is
4101 Tiger Lily Rd, Lincoln, NE 68516
What happens here
Patients, families, and staff use the garden as an extension of the healing experience—a place where nature supports movement, reflection, creative expression, and connection. Through guided labyrinth walks, meditation, art-making, and quiet personal reflection, the garden creates opportunities to process grief, honor resilience, find moments of calm, and connect with others navigating the cancer journey.
A visitor pauses with the journal, nestled among the allée of trees.
HOW IT CAME TO BE
Including the landscape in comprehensive care.
Drag to see the transformation.
01
The Need
As the new April Sampson Cancer Center was being planned, there was an opportunity to think beyond clinical treatment and create an environment that supported the whole cancer journey. With nearly every element of cancer care coming together under one roof, Bryan Health identified an opportunity for a healing landscape as an extension of that comprehensive approach.
02
The Vision
The Bryan Health community, neighbors, local nonprofits, and other partners envisioned a place for gathering, reflection, and connection to water. With insight from oncology nurses and physical therapists, the labyrinth and winding, varied pathways were designed to offer both meditative journeys and gentle physical challenges for patients rebuilding strength and confidence.
03
The Transformation
What was once an open landscape shaped by a stormwater pond and an allée of mature pines has become a layered Garden of Hope and Healing. A meadow, grove, labyrinth, water features, gathering spaces, and winding paths invite movement and reflection, while art sculptures ground the garden and add moments of meaning, curiosity, and cognitive exploration.
WHAT’S HERE
Between the Clearing and the Grove
01
The labyrinth
A contemplative journey inviting meditation, reflection, and mindful movement.
02
Art in the Garden
Sculptural works—including a symbolic ladder—create visual anchors, inviting curiosity and cognitive exploration
03
The Tree Allée
A stately corridor of mature pines frames the garden, creating a shaded, intimate space for pause and reflection.
WHO TENDS IT
Joanna Morgan
Firesoul, Garden of Hope and Healing
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Sarah Carter
Firesoul, Garden of Hope and Healing
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HEAR FROM THE VISITORS
From the Little Yellow Journal
Last night I dreamt marvelous error. That I had a beehive here inside my heart and the golden bees were making white combs and sweet honey from my old failures.
Wounds can be openings
Cracks let the light in
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Video
Native plantings, a labyrinth, and journals tucked beneath the benches. 4 min.
READ
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A new healthcare Sacred Place opens—The Garden of Hope and Healing
As Sacred Places on hospital campuses steadily grow, we are excited to introduce the latest addition: the Garden of Hope and Healing at the April Sampson Cancer Center, in Lincoln, NE. This new space is a natural addition to the Center, which takes a holistic approach to caring for patients, their families, and staff.
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