This is an image of Prouty Garden that was located on the grounds of Boston Children’s Hospital. I had visited this garden once with my mom and sister. I vividly remember walking through the hospital to get to the garden and seeing a young boy, who had difficulty walking, being supported by his great dane service animal. I had never seen anything like it, I was in awe. Then, the three of us walked outside and I was amazed once more. It’s like we had walked straight into a meadow. No cars could be heard, birds were chirping and the air was crisp. At that time it was fall and a good portion of the leaves had fallen to the ground. I remember my sister and I trying to ‘catch’ one of the many wild rabbits that claimed residence there, but never even getting close enough to touch. It’s my fondest memory I have there and if it weren’t for that garden and those rabbits, I wouldn’t have any. That garden was a symbol of hope for the children at the hospital. A small taste of what life can be like once they get better and for a small moment in time they were able to experience life outside of those walls. This garden was a sacred and serene space where families could congregate together and enjoy time outside of the hospital. It was a place that almost seemed too good to be true, it was a happy place until we had to go back inside. Sometimes I think patients can forget what life is like outside of the hospital and these gardens represent what life should be like. I thought it was a really inspiring and thoughtful gesture to incorporate it into the hospital grounds, especially with Boston being such a ‘concrete jungle’.
What a beautiful garden; I especially like the huge and tangled tree which encourages lots of imagination as to who or what (elves, fairies) may live there. Hospitals are working hard to incorporate healing spaces such as this into their plans. It is especially lovely in the heart of the city to find such an oasis of peace and tranquility. Thank you for sharing the photos; it sounds like the hospital garden helped to temper some painful memories.
Hi Mikaela,
I really like your approach to this assignment. I had not thought about how important the environment of the hospital is both inside and outside for the patient. You used beautiful imagery and have great pictures to show of this garden. I think that is amazing that the hospital created such beautiful grounds for the patients. I agree that it must be hard as a patient to feel trapped in a small room for long periods of time. Having gardens where the patients can get fresh air, sunlight, and move around is so beneficial for them physically and mentally. It would also be a great way for the patient to interact with their loved ones outside of the room.
Thank you Kateri!
This particular garden holds a place in my heart for some personal reasons but upon arrival to this hospital, you wouldn’t even know that it had a garden. It was very secluded and very much for the patients to find reprieve from their medical assessments and procedures. I do have to agree with you in that, I too, did not think about how important the outdoors was for patients, especially children. Walking out of the hospital doors and into this garden was truly comparable to walking into Narnia from the wardrobe. This space is also beneficial to the family of the patient as they can once again see their loved one outside of the hospital room setting and I believe that to be encouraging.