Archives for September 2009

We are approaching final stages for the serenity courtyard garden at Emory University’s Alzheimer’s and Dementia unit. During this process we have completed most of the elements that make up this garden, together with the challenges and unique twists that make this project innovative. The pergola was built to meet a certain height requirement to ensure the safety of the patients at Emory.  The bubbling urn fountain, which will provide aesthetic beauty and a soothing environment, went in without a hitch.  Yet, now we have the challenge of not only affixing the boulders and river stones to be immovable to prevent patients from grabbing and launching the stones through windows, but also to make it look as natural and imbedded as possible. In the final tests leading up to the completion of the rain cistern and drip irrigation system, the efficiency in using rainwater will add great assistance to the watering of the plant material.  This will save Emory expenses in irrigation, as well as contributing to a “green” environment.

Much careful thought and planning was put into the construction of the railing surrounding the walkway throughout the garden.  The completed railing turned out to have a natural, unnoticeable feel versus an institutional look and will be painted a flat soft brown to further blend with it’s surroundings. An interesting challenge in completing the handrails was the need for on-site welding. A generator and welding machine had to be brought into the courtyard to make all cuts and welds on-site. The twist to this challenge is the fact that the courtyard is surrounded by first and second floor windows from both the Alzheimer’s/Dementia units as well as the Physical Therapy units. The pergola had to be temporarily turned into an enclosed welding room to prevent eye exposure of bright, burning flashes from the welder.  Through these challenges, Unique was able to construct a railing that will blend into the natural look of the garden, while still providing the safety feature to assist patients in maneuvering through their peaceful courtyard.

We are excited about completing the final phase of the garden.  Finalizing the garden will consist of installing the last of the plant material, stone, mulch, planter box and cedar screen to screen the rain cistern. The planter box is being constructed at an angle to allow easy wheelchair access to the residents at Emory, not at all as easy as setting four vertical posts, I assure you!  These last touches seem to be simple final items to execute, but here at Unique are the most important. We pay very special attention to the details and even more so in the final installation and touch up. The final look will be what makes this garden one of a kind and an amazing space.

As you can see, Unique is able to provide a place of relaxation and comfort to Alzheimer’s and Dementia patients by designing and constructing an exquisite therapeutic garden.   Think of your patients and their needs…if you can imagine it, Unique can make it happen!   Click here to see more pictures of the therapeautic garden, and to learn more about this Atlanta Landscaping Company.