A sensory garden was planted at Hall-Mercer’s Serenity Garden.
The Serenity Garden at Hall-Mercer Community Mental Health Center hadn’t been utilized by staff and patients in a long time, observed Yavette Mond, MEC, who serves as an Intensive Case Management supervisor. Staff typically stayed indoors to complete their work and meet with patients, leaving the garden empty. In an effort to transform the space into a more popular spot for the Hall-Mercer community, Mond hosted an activity that not only spruced up the garden but also promoted wellness amongst her team members.
She first introduced the idea by giving sun catchers – small, reflective ornaments to hang outdoors or by a window to capture light and cast an array of colors – to her team, who expressed excitement about enhancing the garden. They were all encouraged to invite a patient who would be interested in participating, using the activity as a way to support their goals.
“One of the things we do to help patients is goal plan,” said Mond. “We identify areas of their lives that are impacting their mental health and set goals, like socialization and stress relief, to improve it.”
Mond recruited lead horticulturalist Dan Bangert, who presented a variety of potted plants to create a sensory garden – plants that appeal to the five senses to promote an engaging experience in the garden, comprised of leaves with different textures and scents of basil and mint. Since 2021, Bangert has been holding similar information sessions for Behavioral Health’s sensory gardens in the Spruce building.
Blended Case Management Case Managers Beatrice Carrillo, Brittany McNeil, Bianca Ogelsby, Fatima Joshua, and ACCESS Case Manager Leo Porth.
“My team loved it, and even had lunch there afterwards. They could’ve listened to Dan talk all day,” said Mond. “One patient didn’t want to leave. She really enjoyed just sitting there with the breeze. It was very peaceful for her.”
Mond holds activities like this with her colleagues as part of their last team meeting at the end of every month. Each activity is centered on a theme to bolster well-being, and to provide a token of appreciation for her team. The garden was part of the theme Alive April – having to do with nature. In May, the team gathered for Magnificent May, in which they joined a painting class to create artwork together.
“I love my team and try to find ways to let them know that I care,” said Mond. “I want them to feel like I’m not just here to manage them, but I’m here to help them grow.”