Peachtree – “I just want to go outside.”
That was a common statement from patients at Erlanger Western Carolina Hospital, especially during the COVID pandemic. Thankfully, the local health-care facility has come up with a solution.
A beautiful new garden project was dedicated on Oct. 30 in an area beside the main entrance into the hospital lobby at 3990 U.S. 64 E. Alternate. Brenda Pontes-Couret, the hospital’s rehabilitation services manager, called the project “a labor of love.”
“Love for our patients and the community, but also love for our Erlanger family,” she told onlookers at the ribbon-cutting ceremony as to how the garden came about. “We lacked a designated area with quiet access to nature. There are multiple studies that validate the healing properties of nature. Another study described how employees who took their break in a garden or nature setting experienced less burnout.
“By providing a quiet, serene space for patients, visitors and staff, we are hoping to battle stress and anxiety for those who utilize the garden.”
Pontes-Couret said the project would not have become reality without support and funding from the Erlanger family along with local vendors. They include:
- Shannon Palmer with S&P Monuments engraved personalized bricks purchased by staff and the community.
- Aaron Kelley from Kelley Hardscapes laid out the walkway along with donating other services and supplies.
- Connie Easley, a nurse, donated a dogwood tree. Pontes-Couret also named some “unsung heroes” of the garden project:
- Teresa Bowling and Wesley Phillips for their advocacy, assistance and guidance.
- FitPlus Rehabilitation Team for assistance and support.
- Angela Clem at the Cherokee County Extension office for helping with plant selection, advice and gardening materials. “Your passion for the community and our hospital is inspiring,” Pontes-Couret added.
- The hospital’s plant operations team, led by Kevin Laird, for working and laughing together.
- And her husband, Frankie Couret, for being a fellow muralist, sounding board, co-planner and unpaid laborer.
As staff members and visitors walked around the garden, the smiles on their faces spoke volumes.