Take a stroll through the grounds of Pennsylvania Hospital, and you may find yourself struck by the sense of balance the atmosphere creates. The balance between the past and present is evident as you pass the dry moat created in the eighteenth century, the statue of William Penn donated in the nineteenth century, and the cupola recovered after a twentieth-century demolition, all surrounded by greenery and flowers, old and new. The green spaces also strike a balance between serenity and liveliness, welcoming patients looking for a therapeutic healing space, visitors finding solace or distraction in the vibrant blooms, and staff members warding off fatigue with a refreshing walk.
Lead horticulturist Dan Bangert and his team are responsible for all this and more. Passersby are enjoying summer flowers now, but Bangert’s mind is already two seasons ahead, planning out PAH’s first-ever winter pots and displays. While some plants make an appearance each year — the wisteria and azaleas are well over 100 years old — Bangert finds inspiration for new themes, colors, and textures everywhere.
“Sometimes it will be as simple as somebody telling me about a plant they like, and other times I’ll see an awesome outfit and think, ‘Let’s see if there’s a flower that looks like that,’” Bangert said. “Once I have the concept, I’ll figure out how to place something with big leaves next to something with skinny leaves, then add something fuzzy next to that.”
Credit: Bob Blacksberg (Check out more photos in What’s New!)
Adaptability is key, as Bangert could easily discover that all the pink flowers he ordered died in the nursery, or that the beautiful design he envisioned appears misshapen from the fourth floor. He enjoys the challenge, though, as the process allows him to test out new plants — including the “tropical showstoppers” he features outside of Café 1751 — and collaborate with other departments and stakeholders. Not only is the outcome of his hard work visually stunning, but it has a positive impact on the patients, staff, and community members who see it.
“It feels like every week I get a compliment, or someone will stop me and ask, ‘Hey, I’ve been wondering what kind of plant that is; I really want my own!’” he said. “I love being able to engage people and to help them think about something that isn’t work-related or stressful for a little while.”
He points to a poignant experience with a woman whose husband had passed away just as he started at PAH three years ago. She continues to visit a spot on the property that reminds her of her husband, and she and Bangert shared a hug earlier this spring. “Knowing that she has enjoyed the grounds through it all, and that I enjoyed keeping up the grounds for people like here….” he paused. “It’s nice knowing that my job created an atmosphere where it was possible for us to share that experience.”