My choice for January's Community Garden of the Month is Blanchfield Army Community Hospital's very own Memorial Garden. Anyone who has ever visited Blanchfield Army Community Hospital (BACH), and entered through the front door has to pass by this garden. It is a garden hard to miss and is a bright spot in an otherwise big building with lots of hallways, doors, walls, people, no natural light, and clinics.
The garden is enclosed by four walls and is visible through windows. I have loved this little garden ever since I came back here in 2001. It was so simple and serene, though not often used. Initially the garden was nothing more than a few evergreen shrubs, a couple of crepe myrtles, and Liriope muscari, aka Lilyturf or Monkey Grass. The garden was mulched with ornamental rocks and that was all there was to it. I loved it as it was very low maintenance and looked great all through the year. I don't think it required any maintenance, and brought so much light and life to the hospital.
Then, the previous BACH Commander, Colonel Gallagher, had a vision. He wanted it to become more of a memorial garden honoring both soldier and civilian employees of the hospital. His vision was translated by a several people who spent some long hours reworking this garden last fall. The list of people who worked on the garden includes: SFC Robert Freeman, SFC Milan Puente, Dr. Dorothy Thompson, SGT Marc Deist, SPC Heath Heist, SPC Amanda Jacson, SPC Lois Lautenschlager, SPC Ahmad Maumne, SPC Angela Pitts, and PV2 Beth Kaufman. I hope I have everyone's names correct, and if I don't or I forgot someone, I apologize.
I want to thank Mrs. Laura Boyd, the Public Affairs Representative for BACH for tracking down some points of contact for information regarding the garden. I also want to thank SFC Milan Puente for finding out the names of all people involved in remaking the garden. The names are difficult and I know it can't have been too easy finding them all in an organization as big as BACH. Thanks to you both!
I want to thank Mrs. Laura Boyd, the Public Affairs Representative for BACH for tracking down some points of contact for information regarding the garden. I also want to thank SFC Milan Puente for finding out the names of all people involved in remaking the garden. The names are difficult and I know it can't have been too easy finding them all in an organization as big as BACH. Thanks to you both!
The team added a beautiful mural, some stepping stones and a seating bench. Dr. Thompson painted the mural. It really is a beautiful mural that would look good in any garden. They didn't change the garden too awfully much and I think what they did is actually an improvement. Now the garden doesn't look as forlorn as it did before. Anyone visiting Blanchfield can enjoy a peek at this lovely garden and it adds so much to the hospital. That is why it is my choice for January's Garden of the Month.
Wow, I never even knew there was a garden at the hospital. It does look like a great place to relax or unwind when under stress. Thanks for posting this.
ReplyDeleteA lot of hospitals have gardens like this and I think all should have them. As Anonymous said, a great place to relax and unwind when under stress. And what is more stressful than being at or in a hospital. My hat is tipped to the people that made the garden spot.
ReplyDeleteTina, you really put a lot of work into this blog by getting the names of all the people that did this garden, going around taking pictures, ect. I am sure I speak for all of us when I say we do appreciate it. Love you
Very kind words from both of you. My heart and soul is in gardening and I like to notice the little things, the little things being gardens and nature. I am very happy to spotlight this garden and grateful the architects take time to design natural areas in large buildings. It makes all the difference.
ReplyDeleteMom, I appreciate your words but as my mother, you may be a little biased. :) ttyl
What a wonderful little garden! A great asset to a hospital indeed…
ReplyDeleteWhen you said, "Notice the little things" Tina, it reminded me of one time when I was with my Mother in law in the car. She was so busy checking out the landscaping in the parking lot of a business, that she ran over the cement stop in the parking spot! Was too funny and I can relate as I get distracted by the beauty around me too....
Gardens in the hospital are very helpful, I was put in the "garden room" when I broke my leg. Although I couldn't get up on my own free will, the air from the window seemed somehow fresher. I asked them why called the garden room? The courtyard is octagon and it was the only window that had a view of all sides. This is a lovely garden to be named to the servicepeople. ps Pats are playing tonite!
ReplyDeleteFunny story Skeeter. I can also relate as I guess we have all done something like that. My husband gets so upset if I go over a curb or get lost but I just laugh it off. It would be a very boring life if we did not enjoy the stupid things we all do or enjoy seeing someplace we never had seen when we are lost.
ReplyDeleteTina, I know as your mother I am just a wee bit (well maybe a lot (I cannot tell a lie) and would never have gone on a blog but since I have I do enjoy them. But that does not mean that my pea brain does not recognize that you do go the extra mile for your readers.
Dawn I have my fingers crossed for the Pats. But I guess everyone knows unless they get too cocky and fall completley apart they have it in the bag. Since they are not a cocky team, they should be okay, A OKAY!!
Whoops, I left out the word biased at the end of the first line to Tina.
ReplyDeleteHey Skeeter,
ReplyDeleteIt must've been one heck of a view to wreck the car! Be careful. I try to but it is sometimes difficult.
Hey Mom,
You wouldn't be my mom if you weren't my biggest fan, right? I am so glad you enjoy the blog and we get to talk every day. It's wonderful.
We just got back from a monster truck rally. I can't believe we paid good money to see trucks run over junked cars (they should've paid us to attend). Once is enough and I am glad I don't ever have to do that again.:~
Na, Mom B did not wreck the car, she just hit the cement block rather hard! It was funny and yes, quit a view!!!
ReplyDelete