The Quiet Garden

Mollie Wilmot Children's Center

A  welcoming environment that is attractive and intriguing to children complements this medical facility’s state-funded program for underserved children. Topiary wildlife hangs from trees for patients on gurneys to observe on their arrival. Colorful fish in waves of native grasses greet children from the parking lot. A proposed canopy and shade structure over a play area will provide protection from the sun and rain. A future bubble garden will let play elements "float" to children in wheelchairs in an area that also attracts butterflies with specialized plantings. Raised vegetable gardens will be used in diabetes education classes.

Views from the adjacent lobby attract patients, visitors, and staff outside, alleviating an overcrowded waiting room. A stained glass window provides a nature setting in a quiet room overlooking a trickling water feature in the garden. The connection with nature provides a pleasant distraction from treatments.