The Alvin M. Jackson Horticulture Conservatory at Christus Schumpert Hospital in Shreveport, Louisiana, was opened in 1993 to provide “high touch” therapy and a peaceful setting for physical therapy patients. It quickly became apparent that patients’ families as well as hospital employees found the tropical conservatory a perfect place to meditate and relieve stress.
The conservatory is a two-story glass structure with palm trees, orchids, bromeliads and other tropical plants. A water feature with bubblers provides soothing background and a home for koi, giant goldfish and two slider turtles. The conservatory is also home to a zebra finch and an Amazon parrot. The parrot talks to visitors as they wander through the conservatory!
Louisiana Master Gardeners work to keep the plants healthy, clean up fallen leaves, transplant and take cuttings and answer a multitude of gardening questions.
If you would like to participate in this wonderful project, please contact Glenda Jacobs at (318) 797-9465 or Alison Watson at (318) 631-7508.