In 2013, a new era began for the University of Kansas Medical Center campus. What had long been a snow-centered landscape operation evolved into a comprehensive landscape services group, marking the beginning of a campus-wide transformation.

At the time, the campus was defined largely by concrete and turf, with little visual or ecological diversity. The first improvements focused on introducing turf enhancements and annual flowers, something that had been virtually nonexistent before. Each year brought a new design approach, informally known as “the splash,” offering something fresh and engaging to draw attention and spark curiosity.

Early on, a simple observation shaped the strategy: people rarely looked up. In response, hanging baskets were introduced across campus. These elevated plantings served a dual purpose, inviting people outdoors and lifting their gaze—while quietly buying time to improve the turf and garden beds below. Small, visible successes built confidence and momentum, paving the way for larger, more ambitious projects.

As hanging baskets and gardens became established, the work gained greater purpose and professionalism. New positions were created, and the KU Medical Center Botanic Gardens were formally established. With this milestone, the gardens joined a broader professional network through associations with the American Public Gardens Association and the Professional Grounds Management Society (PGMS), connecting the campus to national standards, shared knowledge, and best practices in public garden and grounds management.

Leadership roles, including a garden manager and daily operations supervisor, provided structure and vision as the gardens expanded. Over the years, the program earned continued professional recognition, including long-standing certifications and awards through Tree Campus USA, APPA, and PGMS. Early recognition came in 2014 with a PGMS Honor Award, followed by a PGMS Grand Award in 2017, and most recently a PGMS Honor Award for Urban University Grounds in 2025.

Vegetables were soon introduced into select annual beds, initially as an experiment to gauge interest. The response was overwhelmingly positive. This curiosity and enthusiasm led to the creation of dedicated vegetable gardens, further experimentation, and growing success. From the beginning, the gardens were guided by a clear mission: to support mental and physical health. This focus aligned naturally with the healthcare environment and led to the development of medically focused gardens throughout the health system.

Programming, Education, and Community Engagement

As the gardens grew, so did their role as spaces for learning, connection, and wellness. The KU Medical Center Botanic Gardens evolved beyond horticultural display to become active sites for educational programming, volunteer engagement, and community outreach. Programming has included guided garden tours, hands-on workshops, seasonal demonstrations, and experiential learning opportunities that connect plants to health, nutrition, and environmental stewardship.

Vegetable and teaching gardens support programs centered on the urban food system, sustainable growing practices, and the role of plants in preventive health. Produce grown in the gardens is used to support campus initiatives and community needs, reinforcing the gardens’ commitment to access, nourishment, and care.

To expand public engagement, a community outreach specialist position was created to foster partnerships and connect students, staff, patients, and community members to the gardens. While the COVID-19 pandemic temporarily altered in-person programming, it also spurred innovation—leading to new volunteer models, expanded educational initiatives, and increased emphasis on flexible, mission-driven engagement.

Today, programming continues to grow through volunteerism, student involvement, educational signage, teaching gardens, and collaborative initiatives across the health system. These programs reinforce the gardens’ core purpose: using plants and green spaces to promote wellness, learning, and community connection.

Over the years, these combined efforts—landscape transformation, professional excellence, and mission-centered programming—have demonstrated meaningful impact on students, staff, patients, and the broader community.

The next chapter focuses on securing sustainable funding and strengthening the long-term future of the gardens. With continued dedication, the KU Medical Center Botanic Gardens will expand their role as a vital campus and community resource—supporting health, education, and well-being for generations to come.