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The Forever Garden at the Phoenix VA Health Care System

Steve Garza, Phoenix VA gardener
Pictured from left to right: Steve Garza, Phoenix VA gardener holding a milkshake he created from recycled materials; dragon fly carved into the tree; battle buddies; and whimsical flamingos.
By Shayla Cole, Phoenix VHA Staff Writer

Within the grounds of the Phoenix VA Health Care System lies a garden of smiles, not always immediately apparent but a piece of art surrounding the Phoenix VA.

Amidst this heartwarming landscape is Steve Garza, Gardner at the Phoenix VA whose creativity has transformed corners of the Phoenix VA into sources of delight for everyone who crosses their path. "If I can bring a smile to someone's face, even once, I hope it makes their day,” said Garza.

Steve Garza, an Army Veteran who served during Desert Storm, carries a legacy that’s deeply rooted in service. His uncle’s own experiences in the military influenced his decision. One of his uncles told him, ‘Now it’s your turn’ Garva stated. “Listening to him was the best decision I ever made; It has become a family legacy to serve in the military.” 
Garza shared, the Phoenix VA gives him the freedom to create, which has been a therapeutic outlet he deeply values. Along the employees’ path entrance, lies heartwarming discoveries. For example, the “take one, leave one rock” has become a tangible symbol of communal support with words or painted images. “It’s so cool, how this has become a thing,” said Garza. 
 

One of Garza’s contributions involve the artful use of PVC pipes to craft whimsical flamingos. “I asked construction for the leftover PVC pipes, cut out my own pattern, heated, melted, bended, and shaped the flamingos,” explained Garza.
Throughout the Phoenix VA property, you will find forever flowers. When asked why he choose to create and place them around the Phoenix VA, Garza replied, “It makes people smile.” The forever flowers are made from metal like material resembling real flowers. They have vibrant colors that last year-round.
 

Over by the Armed Forces VA Remembrance Zone, the floor bricks, when touched by moisture, reveal these touching inscriptions, honoring lives, and moments. At the stone wall, Garza has coins placed. “Each coin is from a Veteran that is no longer here," said Garza. “I’ve placed these coins in their memory.” Another surprise is the tree with a face, out in plain sight. Garza shared, departments and staff members have engaged in scavenger hunts to see what they can find around the Phoenix VA. 
 

At the front of the Phoenix VA hospital is the Ambulatory Clinic, better known as the ACC. Here, ordinary objects such as the potholders that come from an old trashcan, amongst other items in the pathway find new purpose in adding to Phoenix VA landscaping in the spirit of repurposing and rejuvenation. “I like to recycle things and make them different,” said Garza. 
 

Garza’s acts of kindness by giving out "battle buddies," small green plastic Army figures, serve as poignant reminders of childhood for many Veterans. Witnessing a Veteran uncertainly through facial expressions, prompts him to offer these figures, often bringing smiles and comfort reminiscent of past times. 
As you wander the Phoenix VA grounds, take a moment to enjoy the unique artwork such as the dragon fly in the tree or the rock shaped into a rattle snake. “Each creation, each gesture, and each initiative carry a story of compassion,” said Garza. “I love them all, no favorites."