Nora's Garden

Garden Dedication
Sunday, June 1
at 4 P.M.

A whisper of Spring has appeared at the center of George Mason High School. A garden has been created in the Senior Courtyard and is named for Nora Hemphill, a 2005 graduate. The idea of a garden in Nora’s memory was prompted by the kind offer of Susan Maynard and Katie Emmons, longtime City of Falls Church residents, to lend their gardening skills to a memorial project. George Mason High School Principal Bob Snee enthusiastically embraced the idea of a project on the grounds of George Mason. The idea for the garden’s design was seen in a dream by Michael Hoover, one of Nora’s teachers at George Mason. His dream showed a semi-circle, an inclusive space with “a riot of color” blooming behind it.

A stone patio, bench, and fountain pedestal were designed by Nora’s father, Tom Hemphill. Susan Maynard, assisted by Katie Emmons, created a landscape plan including trees, shrubs,and flowers. Bob Nissen, Maintenance Supervisor at George Mason, lent his logistic and technical skills to make the construction of the hardscape a reality. The stone foundation of the garden is complete and this spring we hope to install the fountain, add teak garden benches, and plant the “riot of color” envisioned by Michael Hoover and designed by Susan and Katie. We envision this space as an especially beautiful area for students, classes, and special events.

The garden will be available for all types of student use, casual and formal, by individuals and by groups, and is intended to enhance the experience of every student. A non-profit corporation has been established for the construction and maintenance of Nora’s Garden. Our hope is to offer continuing support to maintain and add to the beauty of the area and to fund student projects utilizing the space and fulfilling its purpose. That purpose being- a place to laugh, dream, and hope.

In answer to the many inquiries received concerning ways to contribute to this project, a fund has been established. Checks payable to Nora's Garden, Inc. , a nonprofit corporation, may be sent to 109 Buxton Rd., Falls Church, VA 22046.