The McLeod Hospice Sensory Garden is a dream that began when Eleanor Becker, the mother of Dr. Carolyn Reynolds, was a patient at the McLeod Hospice House.  The loving care given by the professional staff and the comfortable surroundings of this wonderful haven were greatly appreciated, by both patient and family.

Mrs. Becker had once acknowledged that she longed to spend the time during her final days enjoying the world of nature that had meant so much to her. Dr. Reynolds soon realized that, while the gardens around the Hospice House provided her with that solace and beauty, they did not allow her mom to fully experience the many sensory delights available through the gift of nature.

After her mother’s death, Dr. Reynolds and her family decided to launch an effort to create a sensory garden for the Hospice House. It was their desire to help provide future patients, their families, and friends an opportunity to fully savor the many aspects of the surrounding, often colorful and aromatic world.

Dale Locklair, a Clemson trained horticulturist, and Vice President of Procurement and Construction at McLeod, designed a unique garden experience especially for Hospice patients and their families intended to permeate the senses, and stimulate memories. As a focal point, the garden walk is shaped in the infinity symbol, reminding visitors that life is eternal.

The garden is fully wheelchair accessible, which will allow immobile patients to experience the fullness of the garden from the soothing feel of water on their feet at the fountain pool to the sensation of sand between their toes within the unique structure.

A koi pond and butterfly/hummingbird garden promises to charm patients and their families, by reflecting the joys of God’s delightful creatures from the deep and in the air. Throughout the garden, soothing sounds of wind chimes will resonate, as perfume wafts from the Carolina cut flower or herb garden and fills the senses with delightful fragrances. The garden, much like life, is a changing experience and is designed to be unique at all hours. A diverse array of flowers and accent lights will beckon stargazers at night. Designed with family privacy in mind, the garden also presents many opportunities for intimate conversations and a time for respite and quiet.

A generous gift from Dr. Reynolds’s family allowed work on the garden to begin this past fall. And, the outpouring of support from friends of McLeod Hospice has been overwhelming with all of the funds raised to complete the garden.

An "Open Garden" (similar to an open house) for the new McLeod Hospice House Sensory Garden will be held on Wednesday, April 22, from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.  The public is welcome and invited to attend this event. McLeod Hospice Volunteers will also be on hand to provide tours of the garden. The McLeod Hospice Sensory Garden promises to be quite meaningful, as this special place touches the lives of patients, friends, and families for years to come.