Veteran’s Garden History

The Veteran’s Garden is a 15-acre farm situated on the campus of the West Los Angeles VA Medical Center. Initially established in the 1970s as a space for Veterans returning from the Vietnam and Korean Wars to connect with the earth and each other, the garden has undergone several transformations over the years.

Evaluation of the Garden’s previous individual and group therapy programs  focused on horticultural training, interpersonal skills, and professional development, showed Veterans experienced improved mental and physical health outcomes.10,11

In the past two years, under the leadership of Medical Center Director Robert Merchant, the Greater Los Angeles VA Whole Health Department has focused on restoring the garden. With support from UCLA, community volunteers, and Veterans, the land now features 30 raised beds cultivating fruits, vegetables, and herbs, along with a grow pad housing nearly 1,000 tomato plants.