Ben Godar
Tucked behind a fence around a corner of Glendale Memorial
Hospital is a small garden that some patients say has been the most
important part of their recovery.
The Healing Garden provides a place for mental-health patients and
their therapists to maintain an array of plants, flowers and herbs.
Mark Infusino, the occupational therapist who oversees the garden,
said the patients are in charge of what happens in the garden.
"Even though they may only be here for a week or 10 days, we
encourage them to take some ownership," Infusino said.
A recent group of patients installed a small fountain, while
others have made stepping stones. For some, the garden is just a
peaceful place to relax.
"I like the clean, fresh air and getting away from the monotony of
going to group after group," patient Esteban Velasquez said.
Edgar Pierce, a self-described "city boy," said he has been amazed
by all the smells from the plants and herbs.
"I don't have a green thumb, but I still have the ability to enjoy
the garden," he said.
Infusino, who said the garden was nothing more than a few hedges
two years ago, hopes it will continue to grow and provide a peaceful
escape for patients.
Don Andrews is one patient who shares that hope. Andrews, who is
being treated for depression, was previously at the hospital for
cancer treatment. This time, he decided to plant some seeds in the
garden.
"Hopefully, they'll grow so I can leave something behind," he
said.
