Despite a chilly mist outside, Northeast Georgia Medical Center leaders gathered Monday to share their view for the hospital's newest garden, what they say will be a warm retreat for patients and families.

At the official ground-breaking ceremony, hospital administrators thanked the Wilheit family, whose $700,000 donation is funding the project.

"Without special friends like the Wilheits, we wouldn't be able to have the healing environment that everyone talks about," said interim CEO Carol Burrell. "We're actually able to demonstrate that, so it's very special."

Construction on the new 20,000-square-foot garden began in November, but the ceremony was delayed because of weather and Philip Wilheit's work on Gov. Nathan Deal's campaign.

The garden, which will be the largest of the hospital's five donor gardens, stretches the length of the hospital's North Tower concourse. On Monday afternoon, workers laid down bricks for one of the space's many water features. Already, pavers create a winding path through the overturned dirt. Once complete, the site will feature eight seating areas, lighting and a rainwater collection system.

Mary Hart Wilheit said the garden's beauty will be visible from all sides of the hospital — from the front entrance, the indoor concourse and within the quiet paths. She added that the water features are slanted so those in patient rooms will even be able to enjoy the space.

She also plans to construct a few welded copper statues of ivy and flowers to place throughout the garden.

As water flowed through one of the completed fountains Monday, Mary Hart Wilheit said the peaceful effect the family hoped for is already taking shape.

The Wilheits are funding the garden in honor of the couple's late parents, Tom and Jane Eve Wilheit, and Jack and Mildred Keys, who all enjoyed gardening.

The garden will feature many plants the parents tended to in their own gardens, especially roses, which both of the mothers loved.

"We just have to go by memory and what they loved," Mary Hart Wilheit said. "And what was in their gardens."

Hospital administrators said the garden will be completed within the year, although a specific time line hadn't been set. LeTrell Simpson, former board member of the Medical Center Foundation, said the finished garden will enhance the hospital's healing environment.

"When you think about the impact it will make as people drive up to the hospital, it's such a lasting legacy," she said.