UIC Memorial Garden 2018

In our second year of collaboration with the UIC Pediatric Hospital, our team created a beautiful 800 square foot pediatric memorial garden. Pediatric nurse Chris Easley and Child Life Specialist Dana Thornquist organized volunteers to clear an overgrown raised bed and plant 100 native perennial plugs. Carly Rizor and the UIC Grounds Department removed all plant debris and delivered mulch for the final touch. It was a true exercise in teamwork and the result is a new space for native pollinators to live and UIC personnel to relax and regroup.

Our organization is in the process of implementing native landscapes in schools, hospitals, and community organizations to provide peaceful, natural outdoor space for stress-relief and healing. We're grateful to UIC for opening their doors to us so we can do our part in honoring and remembering the children and families that have suffered and lost. We hope the garden can also serve as a place for doctors, nurses, students, and faculty to reflect and recalibrate during the day.

The 100 native plugs will establish roots this year, grow fuller next summer, and "explode" in year three. With careful maintenance (volunteers are always welcome!) and time, this garden space will evolve into a way station for essential pollinators and people in need of reconnecting with the outdoors. Thank you to every volunteer and staff member that made this project and possible. Keep up the good work, everyone!  We'll see you all at the Pediatric Memorial Service in August.