What started as a teenager’s Eagle Scout philanthropy project has transformed into a beautiful entry garden on the grounds of Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital.
Devin Georgio, 17, with the support of his parents Jon and Mardi Georgio, owners of Gothic Landscaping in Valencia, planned, designed and supervised the construction of an entry garden in the roundabout located in front of the main hospital entrance. Following Devin’s philanthropic lead, the landscaping company and several other vendors donated materials and labor for the project.
Devin, a West Ranch High School student and longtime Boy Scout, is hoping to join the ranks of Eagle Scouts with the completion of his leadership project—the hospital’s new entry garden.
"The whole process taught me leadership skills that I will use for the rest of my life,” Devin said. “It was very exciting to see hospital patients and visitors thank me for my contribution to the hospital. I love giving back to the community."
His interest in therapeutic landscaping began when he visited the City of Hope meditation garden with his family. Gothic Landscaping, a longtime family business in Valencia, is affiliated with City of Hope.
“Devin liked the garden and that there was a beautiful place to be for visitors coming to see patients,” Mardi Georgio said. “He thought it would fit at Henry Mayo.”
Devin created an irrigation plan, organized donations, and even learned how to use a CAD program for the design. Irrigation supplies, sod, plant materials, stepping stones, mulch, sand, and three benches were donated, as well as the time volunteers put in to complete the work.
“He wanted the garden to be pleasing to sit there, so for fragrance he chose jasmine, citrus, and lavender,” Mardi said. “It is a very pleasant place to sit because there is some sun for warmth and there is also shade.”
Once he developed an initial design, Devin worked with Diana Vose, president of theHenry Mayo Newhall Memorial Health Foundation, in choosing a location and getting the design approved. The Foundation’s Board gave him the green light and in late August with the help of volunteers, including his younger brother, Tristan, 12, construction of the garden was underway.
“The Georgio family felt a new garden would be of special benefit to our patients, visitors, and employees; and at the same time, complete a project that would make a difference for the community,” Vose said. “We have been the fortunate beneficiaries of philanthropic projects whether it be in-kind, monetary or bequest, and each and every purpose helps our mission to support patient care at Henry Mayo - the only hospital in the SCV.” Vose said.