A Place for Reflection and Renewal
Anticipated completion: April 2025
The Chapel Healing Garden is currently under construction, transforming an area near the historic chapel into a serene, restorative landscape. Designed as a space for reflection and connection with nature, the garden will provide a peaceful retreat for visitors while honoring the history of healing and care at Dix Park.
ABOUT THE PROJECT
The renovated garden will feature thoughtfully designed plantings, seating areas, and accessible pathways, offering a welcoming space for contemplation. Inspired by the park’s history and natural beauty, the garden will incorporate native plants and sensory elements to engage visitors of all abilities.
As a key part of Dix Park’s vision, this project supports the park’s mission to create inclusive, restorative spaces for the community. Once completed, the garden will serve as a quiet sanctuary within the park, complementing the vibrant public spaces nearby.
Honoring the Site's History
In the 1950s, the Raleigh Garden Club embarked on a mission to enhance the therapeutic environment of Dorothea Dix Hospital. Following the devastation of Hurricane Hazel in 1954, which destroyed the hospital's greenhouse—a cherished space for patients and their families—the club recognized the need for a new sanctuary. Their dedication led to the creation of the original chapel garden, which garnered national acclaim, winning the award for the "most outstanding" church garden in the USA in 1957.
The garden was designed to serve as a therapeutic space for patients, embodying the healing power of nature. It became a beloved destination, not only for the hospital community but also for visitors, featuring in state garden tours and earning a place on the list of Gardens and Historical Places to visit in North Carolina.
Learn more about the garden’s history:
Project Support
The renovation of the Chapel Healing Garden was made possible thanks to a generous donation from the Russell family, in honor of John Spotswood Russell.
