Our Enhanced Butterfly Garden

Situated along the serpentine path at the North Lawn, our Butterfly Garden has been expanded and includes a special tribute to our caring staff and longtime Springwell friend and resident, Alice Snyder.

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Now known as Alice's Garden, the welcoming space with new plants, flowers, updated landscaping and dedication plaque is a special destination for residents and visitors for walks and outside visits. Alice Snyder's legacy is well known at Springwell, beginning with her service on the Wesley Home board of directors back when it was run by a foundation affiliated with the Methodist Church. When the Wesley was bought by the Springwell group, she continued to volunteer as a member of the Auxiliary Guild. Many will remember the Guild's work, including fundraisers to purchase quality of life items for Springwell, such as the bird cage in the lobby, snowball machine and popcorn popper. When faced with health issues in 2016, Alice and her husband Bill moved from their residence of 65 years to Springwell and from the first day they felt right at home.

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"Although my dad only lived at Springwell for a couple of months, Mom not only made an incredible turnaround, but enjoyed almost four years of improved health, comfort and happiness," said her daughter, Sue LaHatte. "This was largely due to the incredible care and concern that the staff showed to her and for her.”

"When Mom died on September 18th, my brother and I wanted to give back to Springwell in some way and honor the wonderful Springwell staff as well," she said. LaHatte said her mother was a science teacher and especially loved teaching horticulture to middle and high school students and even helped maintain a greenhouse at Owings Mills High School, where she was part of the inaugural staff. She was a great teacher in part due to her own personal joy and experience working the gardens at her home.

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Mike McWilliams, president of Maxalea Nurseries and a family friend, helped with the butterfly garden enhancements. How appropriate that her love of the outdoors and horticulture, along with her devotion to Springwell and appreciation of the staff will always be remembered at Alice's Garden.