Creating A Memorial Garden For Ronald McDonald House
Photo: Lowe’s
While making a space beautiful is certainly important, it’s really just one small component of design. The biggest, and most impactful part, comes from creating something that can change lives for the better. And one very special project allowed me to do just that – and create a garden for families to form a lasting connection.
It’s not everyday that I get the chance to work on a project that will really make a difference in lots of lives. So I was thrilled when Lowe’s asked me to be a part of their Hometowns campaign, a 5 year initiative that gives back to communities in need (creating over 100 improvements in hometowns across the US!) For this unique project, we worked with Ronald McDonald House San Antonio, to make improvements and add a unique garden to the property.
Ronald McDonald House provides a home away from home for the families of children receiving essential medical services, and this garden would serve as a spot for them to be surrounded by nature, reflect, and serve as a memorial they could return to again and again.
Keep scrolling to learn see the design inspiration, what we plan to do, and all the photos from the project kick off!
Photo: Lowe’s
Creating A Memorial Garden
The Design Plan
Planning for this garden began with looking at the actual site itself. The location is a long and narrow area situated between the building. This size and shape would dictate the layout – a curving path that winds through the space and would be surrounded by landscaping.
I also wanted to create different areas within the garden that would serve the families staying at the Ronald McDonald House. Spots for reflection, areas to be with nature, and plenty of seating were essential to the garden design, and would make it both functional and meaningful.
Creating A Memorial Garden
The Design Inspiration
The inspiration for the memorial garden? A dry riverbed. Not only would this design work well in the long and narrow site, but it would also require little maintenance – and be perfect for a hot and dry climate like San Antonio. Stones of various sizes would fill in on each side of a meandering path made of flagstones (that replicates a riverbed). And then the most important part – the children and their families would be given their own rock engraved with their name and be able to add it to the riverbed throughout the years. Creating a memorial garden that continues to grow and change with each visitor. To add some softness and greenery to the area various drought-tolerant flowers, plants, trees and bushes would then fill in to create lush landscaping, with plenty of shade for those hot summer days.
Photo: Lowe’s
Want to see the finished garden? Stay tuned, as the Lowe’s team and I are still adding the finishing touches!
