I have had a hand in designing many types of spaces in my 30-year career—from 100-acre corporate campuses to schools and urban plazas in the heart of Uptown. But it is this small 3,000 square foot garden at the Ronald McDonald House of Charlotte that has made the greatest impact on me and the community it serves.
The Healing Garden
The organization contacted us in 2014 to help design a space—specifically, a garden—that could be used by their guests as an oasis during their stay. The Healing Garden, as it came to be known, is a restorative space for families of children seeking treatment for injuries or illnesses at nearby medical facilities. It is a place to be reflective. A place of solace after a long day at the hospital. A place of remembrance for those who lost their lives battling an illness. And, as the name suggests, a place of healing.
The garden includes vine-covered pergolas, butterfly bushes, a small waterfall fountain, and statues that stimulate the imagination. Designed as a series of small “rooms,” the garden incorporate benches where families can gather to pray or talk. At the center of the space is an arbor-covered porch swing.
Meet Sydney
This is where you’ll find 14-year old Sydney McCurry.
Sydney has a warm, loving, playful personality, a love for music, and a need to sing. A few years ago, she was diagnosed with cancer. The Ronald McDonald House of Charlotte has become her home away from home. While the house itself provides Sydney a place to lay her head at night, it’s the swing in the garden that is her favorite spot. This is her spot. It’s where she goes to escape, to be alone, listen to music, and, as she puts it, “to sing loudly”.
Sydney’s story serves as a reminder to me, why I got into this profession in the first place. I wanted to design places that will impact people’s lives and make a difference in our communities. It also serves as a reminder that we should never underestimate the restorative power of nature. Even the smallest garden can have a great impact on people when they need it most.
