HEALING NATURE

A GARDEN BLOOMS AT CHILDREN’S NATIONAL AND GETS YOUNG PATIENTS OUTDOORS.

The chirps of birds have replaced the beeps of machines and monitors at Children’s National Medical Center’s new rooftop healing garden. “We wanted to create a new sense of healing through the environment,” says Kathy Gorman, the hospital’s chief operating officer. The green space was inspired by a former patient whose last wish was to be outside. “Our team really wanted to give her and our other patients that opportunity—to smell the fresh air and to heal.” The 7,200-squarefoot garden opened in April, with every first lady from Rosalynn Carter to Michelle Obama signed on as an honorary chair. “We hope this will create space for them to be a family and celebrate milestones together,” Gorman says, “to forget about IV pumps and monitors and go outside, put their hands in the dirt, and be normal through play.” 111 Michigan Ave.

NW, 202-476-5000; childrensnational.org

At Children’s kational’s eealing darden, patients can enjoy a labyrinth to walk, interactive water features, and views of the Capitol and the Washington Monument. dround surfaces enable easy transport of wheelchairs and beds, while ample electrical...