By Lori EhdeWith roughly $30,000 in grants and donations already paid for the hospital’s healing garden, some are wondering why nothing’s growing there yet."Many people are concerned about why their donations have not been used and why the garden has not been started," said Lynette Jauert, a member of the Master Gardeners, who are heading up the project. Plans called for some plants to be growing by now, and for dirt work, electrical wiring and plumbing to start this spring.So far, there’s no activity in the garden area near the windows of inpatient rooms, the rehab department and the maternity ward of the new hospital, which has been open for a year."We, as Master Gardeners, have been waiting for the go ahead from Sioux Valley to start the project," Jauert said. "We have been working on getting project bids and have contractors and volunteers waiting to get the project started." According to Sioux Valley CEO Mark Henke, the delay is due to "several details coming together at the same time."For one thing, a moisture problem discovered in the walls on that side of the building needed to be looked into.If heavy equipment needed to be brought in for repairs, that needed to happen before work on the garden could begin."Some work was not completed in the proper manner, and we’re working with Henry Carlson (general contractor) to correct it," Henke said."That work was related to the masonry and some exterior work on the building."Those repairs (which Henke said won’t affect patient stays in those rooms) are now underway, and work on the garden has received a green light to proceed. The other factor influencing garden progress, Henke said, was timing with the change of administration. Former administrator Jerry Carl retired on April 28, and Henke began on May 15.The hospital administrator, he said, plays a key role on the healing garden committee, and it took some time after Henke came on board to get up to speed with the progress.The point, he said, is that a garden design has recently been approved and work will begin next month."The committee has done some great work and the design is fantastic," Henke said.Between August and October much of the groundwork and sidewalks will be completed, in addition to planting some trees, shrubs and other vegetation.By definition, a healing garden means the horticulturist designed it to work with or around people’s abilities or limitations. The garden is meant for people to use to reduce stress and aid the healing process.The $140,000 budget is covered partially by grants. The money allows for benches, designed for potentially weak patients, walkways wide enough for two wheelchairs to meet, and patio furniture light enough to be rearranged in clusters.It is designed with "getaway" space where patients or visitors can go for private reflection.The list of features includes everything from plants that will be attractive year-round to elements that will attract birds. Placement of Sioux quartzite will highlight various areas of the garden.Depending on how donations come in, the project will be completed in phases, with a goal for work to be completed next spring.