Colorful Gardens, Fountains Add Beauty to Hospice of the Chesapeake’s New Home
By Leslie Hunt

The Hospice of the Chesapeake relocated in July 2013 to a seven-acre property in Pasadena, where a renovated three-story patient services building surrounded by sustainable gardens and flowing fountains has become its permanent home.
The relocation of the administrative office from Annapolis heralds in a time of tremendous growth for the nonprofit, which serves an average of 400 patients daily in Anne Arundel and Prince George’s counties. The Chesapeake Life Center is also located on the property, where counseling, workshops and group support are serving individuals of all ages and families coping with grief.
The gardens are designed by landscape architect Richard Sweeney, who created the oasis as a thank-you to the Chesapeake Life Center, where he and his wife Diana Silva found solace in a parent support group after losing their son unexpectedly to sudden infant death syndrome.
Richard said each season was addressed when choosing the plants and shrubs that line the building, which included replanting a crape myrtle, now a focal point at the front entrance. The birds and the bees are kept busy with coneflowers, and Maryland’s native magnolia. Ornamental grasses surround the display.
Two fountains, one at the main entrance, another at the Chesapeake Life Center entrance, add a calming ambiance for staff and visitors. Inside, there are executive and administrative offices, meeting rooms and a conference center on the lower level. Visiting nurses, caregivers and patient volunteers have spacious areas to work and attend training sessions.
Hospice of the Chesapeake has two eight-bed inpatient care centers: the Tate House in Linthicum and the Mandrin House in Harwood. A 14-bed inpatient care center will be built on the property starting in June. It will open sometime in 2016.

Leslie can be reached at the Hospice of the Chesapeake at 443.837.1538 or [email protected]

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