The Mortenson Healing Garden in Ludington, Michigan stemmed from the relocation and expansion of the cancer and hematology center at Corewell Health Ludington Hospital that provides medical and holistic treatment options for cancer patients. The hospital's Crane Haven Cancer Center was designed with an additional 1,400 square feet and included a new infusion center and wellness lounge, which was to be located along the existing outer building wall with the intent of incorporating windows so that patients could enjoy therapeutic views of nature. Local landscape architecture firm OCBA developed the conceptual design of a new healing garden carved out of the existing parking lot. They also prepared technical specifications and assisted with bidding and construction administration.

Maneuvering Infrastructure
The Landscape Architects were challenged with hiding the existing wide sidewalk and large parking lot in view of the lounge as well as navigating the known utilities under the location identified for the garden. The utilities included a gas line with a 10-foot-wide easement; a brine line with requests that there be no permanent structures above the line; a water line; and an overhead power line whose operation or maintenance could not be prevented by the presence of buildings or structures. Relocating the utilities was not an option, so the garden was designed to facilitate easy access and site restoration. The west edge of the garden over the utilities is planted with trees in pots and groundcover plantings in deep rooftop tray systems over compacted granular fill. If access to any of the service lines is needed, the trays and pots can be easily moved.

 

A Useful Space
A portion of the existing asphalt parking lot and adjacent concrete walk was removed to make way for the new garden area. The garden is enclosed with a semi-opaque, 6-foot-high ornamental metal sculptural fence that gives those inside a sense of the activity happening outside while screening the parking lot from view. An irregularly shaped linear paved walkway lined with rustic brick edging winds through the garden, leading to various spaces. The larger circular areas with darker pavers are used for small group gatherings and classes. Seating is provided on a variety of curved wood benches by Landscape Forms and at small caf?(C) tables with large shade umbrellas by TUUCI scattered throughout the garden.

The Essence of Nature
While the initial vision for the garden included a stream, budgetary constraints and safety concerns eliminated water from the project. Instead, a dry creek bed is located on the outer east edge of the garden and gives the idea of a natural stream as well as a home for the graceful sandhill crane sculptures that were placed in honor of the garden's generous benefactor. Decorative bollards, pedestrian light poles, and spotlighting on the sculpture element make the healing garden available for activities after dark.

Layers of Planting
The landscaping portion of the project includes groundcover and perennial plants in planting soil 8 inches deep and wood mulch 3 inches deep in the outer east edge of the garden. Pre-grown groundcover and perennial plants in deep rooftop tray systems are used closer to the building on the west side of garden over the electrical and brine utility lines. Potted trees in large ornamental planters are placed throughout the garden, and a vertical planting wall system is located at the north end. The planting beds, roof trays, and vertical planting wall are irrigated with drip tubing connected to the remainder of the site irrigation system, with the controller and backflow preventor located inside the building.

A Legacy of Healing
Carved out of and overlooking an asphalt parking lot, the Mortensen Family Healing Garden at Corewell Health Ludington Hospital allows patients and visitors time outdoors in a carefully curated healing space that also offers therapeutic views of nature to those inside.

As seen in LASN magazine, June 2025.