The UNC Department of Family Medicine is excited to share the growth of a new and meaningful space at the Aycock Family Medicine Building: the HOPE Garden, located on the lawn just up the hill from the building’s second-floor entrance. This project was made possible through funding from the UNC School of Medicine Reimagining Residency Grant, which supports innovative efforts to enhance the residency experience and promote wellness across the medical community.
The HOPE Garden—short for Healing, Open Community, Peace, Environmental Humility + Justice—was designed to support several key departmental goals. It provides a natural, welcoming environment where faculty, residents, and staff can relax, reflect, and connect with one another and with nature. The space also serves as a dynamic setting for patient and learner education, offering a joyful and engaging atmosphere that aligns with our mission to innovate in health promotion and medical education, with the goal of making healthcare work for all people.
After months of planning and coordination by the Department’s “Green Team,” the garden was launched with a celebratory event in October 2024, featuring food, music, and hands-on planting. Since then, it has become a valued part of daily life at FMC, offering a peaceful retreat and a vibrant learning environment.
Hope Garden Work Day May 2025
Recently, the garden was further enhanced with the addition of a meadowscape-style flower bed, along with bird feeders and birdhouses to invite local wildlife and deepen the garden’s connection to the natural world. A new memorial bed was also created to honor patients and members of our work community who have passed away. This bed is dedicated to Janice Enoch, a beloved and long-time figure in our department, whose legacy of compassion and connection continues to inspire us all.
The HOPE Garden is more than just a green space – it is a living symbol of our values, our community, and our commitment to wellness and education. We invite everyone to visit, reflect, and grow with us in this special place.
