On a small hill on the grounds of the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO), a path leads through an arch which carries the words ‘For the Love of Our Children’. This path leads up to The Butterfly Garden. Here, in late June, parents and families gather for the annual Balloon Launch, sending notes of love tied to balloons to children who have died. At other times, families visit The Butterfly Garden to find peace and beauty, sometimes to help plant flowers.
The Butterfly Garden was created in memory of children of all ages who have passed away. Volunteers made the garden happen. It was designed in the shape of a butterfly, so symbolic to TCF, with a paved body and wings of flowers and perennials.
The Butterfly Garden was the dream of the Ottawa Chapter of The Compassionate Friends. In 2002, TCF partnered with CHEO to make the dream come true. With donations from contractors, The Butterfly Garden began to take form in 2005. By the fall of 2006, the butterfly wings were ready to be planted with the first set of perennials. The final planting of the flowers and shrubs took place in May 2007. Each year, volunteers tend the garden, adding annuals and affection to their weeding.
This partnership between TCF and CHEO has allowed The Butterfly Garden to become a special place for many parents and families as well as staff and patients of CHEO. While it is a memorial garden, it is more importantly a place for healing, love and memories.
For those wishing to visit, The Butterfly Garden is easy to find. It is on the east side of the building, not far from the entrance to the CHEO Emergency Department.
An overhead view of the Butterfly Garden
A path leads through an arch at the entrance to the Butterfly Garden.
