Outdoor Healing Garden at Children’s Healthcare

Children's Healthcare of Atlanta enhanced its outdoor spaces with tailored plant selections for both shady and sunny areas. This created vibrant, low-maintenance gardens promoting patient wellness and visual appeal for everyone.

Client Overview

Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta is one of the region’s leading pediatric hospitals, known for prioritizing patient wellness in every aspect of its care—including its outdoor spaces. The hospital’s butterfly garden and courtyard serve as a peaceful escape for patients and families during recovery.


Challenge

The space is divided into two very different microclimates:

  • The butterfly garden receives deep shade, making plant selection difficult
  • The courtyard sees direct sun throughout the day, requiring sun-tolerant species

The hospital team wanted to keep both areas vibrant and low-maintenance while still feeling lush and calming.


Solution

We worked closely with the hospital’s facilities team to recommend and install a mix of plants that would thrive in each area’s conditions while maintaining a cohesive look:

In the butterfly garden (shaded zone):

  • Autumn ferns for lush texture
  • Acorus grass for structure and visual softness
  • Confederate jasmine for groundcover and scent

In the courtyard (sunny zone):

  • Palm trees for vertical impact and a tropical feel

All plant selections were made with durability, patient safety, and long-term maintenance in mind.


Results

• A restorative garden space that supports emotional wellness
• Successful plant performance in both sun and shade zones
• Improved visual appeal for patients, families, and staff
• Ongoing support from our team to ensure the gardens thrive

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