FARMINGTON – Loraine and Jay Spenciner recently visited Franklin Memorial Hospital to check on the progress of the newly created butterfly garden.

The healing garden with its flowers sits quietly among the pines, offering a serene setting for visitors, patients and staff to relax and reflect. The sound of a trickling brook adds to the haven, made possible by a donation from the Spenciners in memory of Loraine’s mother, the late Ruth Moody Jones.

According to Loraine, Ruth was a lifelong resident of Farmington and a longtime Auxiliary member who especially enjoyed working in the hospital’s gift shop. The family made the donation in her memory to provide a natural environment for the community.

John Black, the hospital’s groundskeeper and horticulturist, designed the garden, located behind the new Ben Franklin Education Center, with input from Loraine.

A variety of perennials to provide flowers in bloom throughout the season were selected, such as asters, bee balm, yarrow, summer phlox and daisies. A waterfall, brook, and pond surrounded by flat rocks for the butterflies to sun themselves were also added.

“I thought it was important to include the waterfall,” said Loraine. “Any movement of water changes the whole ambiance of a garden. And here, the waterfall spills over a slight slope, adding a gentle voice to the setting.” The waterfall and pool are also equipped with lights and radiate a warm glow at night.

Multiple plants in free-standing containers border a patio where visitors pause to sit on a bench and staff gather on pleasant days to eat their lunch.

The garden will continue to evolve as time goes on. “Attracting butterflies to the garden is as simple as providing nectar-bearing blossoms,” said Black. “There are many more flowers, herbs and shrubs that butterflies like that we can add.”

Anyone wanting more information can contact the Community Relations Office at 779-2555 or 1-800-398-6031, ext. 2555.