Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the KU Medical Center Botanic Gardens?
The KU Medical Center Botanic Gardens are a collection of teaching, wellness and demonstration gardens across the University of Kansas Medical Center campus. They showcase the role of plants in food, medicine, pollinator support, sustainability and overall well-being.
Who uses the gardens?
The gardens serve many audiences, including students, faculty and staff of KU Medical Center; employees and patients from The University of Kansas Health System; and visitors, volunteers and community partners. The gardens are used for tours, workshops, educational programming, wellness events and hands-on learning.
How do the gardens support health and wellness?
The gardens promote health and wellness by providing access to nature, encouraging movement and stress relief, supporting Food is Medicine education and demonstrating how plants contribute to nutrition, healing and emotional well-being.
How do the Botanic Gardens support student learning?
The gardens function as a living laboratory where learners can explore topics such as urban agriculture, pollinators, sustainability, therapeutic horticulture, medicinal plants and nutrition. Students also engage through volunteer opportunities, internships and cross-disciplinary educational experiences.
How do the gardens support food access?
The gardens grow fresh produce that supports student food access initiatives, including donations to the Thrive Food Pantry. They also help teach practical food-growing skills and connect fresh food to health, dignity and community care.
How do the Botanic Gardens partner with other programs?
The gardens work closely with campus and community partners on wellness workshops, Culinary Medicine, sustainability initiatives, volunteer engagement, educational tours and workforce development opportunities.
How can I get involved?
You can get involved by attending a tour or workshop, volunteering in the gardens, partnering on a program or supporting the gardens through collaboration, outreach or donations.
How can I support the Botanic Gardens?
Support may include volunteering, sponsoring garden projects, partnering on educational programming, donating materials or funding or helping expand the gardens’ mission of connecting plants, health and community.
If you are interested in learning more or would like to partner with the KU Medical Center Botanic Gardens, contact gardens@kumc.edu.