$550,000 grant turns concrete space into healing garden at Norton Children’s Hospital

What used to be an empty concrete space at Norton Children’s Hospital has been transformed into a beautiful healing garden for families to enjoy thanks to $550,000 in funding from the Norton Children’s Hospital Foundation.

“This space is a welcome addition, and we’re excited it is finally ready to be enjoyed,” said Emmett C. Ramser, chief administrative officer, Norton Children’s Hospital. “We expect the garden to become an important part of how we care for our community’s children.”

Studies have shown that having a connection to a natural environment and access to daylight can improve health.

In addition to being a space for families, the 4,000-square-foot healing garden is designed for use by the hospital’s physical therapy, child life therapy and music therapy programs. Many of its features were developed with input from caregivers, who recommended electrical outlets for medical equipment, a smooth surface for wheelchairs and beds, and backdrops for family photos.

“We know there are times when families may need a break from the hospital setting, but they’re unable to leave the facility,” said Lynnie Meyer, Ed.D., R.N., CFRE, senior vice president and chief development officer, Norton Healthcare. “We hope this garden helps give them that safe space where they can take time out and enjoy each other’s company.”

The healing garden features:

·       Landscape art

·       A “green wall” of vertical plantings with a variety of succulent-type plants

·       Decorative pergola/trellis

·       Physically distanced seating

·       A two-story mural

Those who donated to the Norton Children’s Hospital Foundation in support of this project include C.M. Bowers and Dana A. Bowers, Elizabeth Turner Campbell Foundation, Bernadine Deis and Family, Norton Children’s Hospital Auxiliary, Leslie A. Taylor and Texas Roadhouse.

This is the 12^th healing garden built within the Norton Healthcare system thanks to funds donated through the Norton Children’s Hospital Foundation or Norton Healthcare Foundation.

The garden was designed by Land Design & Development Inc., and built by Messer.