The garden was designed with three main objectives;
it must be low mainteneace, it must attract wildlife, and
it must attract children. There are ornamental grasses, large
trees, and butterfly bushes that require little care while
providing cover for birds and small animals. The garden attracts
children with small topiary animals and a large (and loud)
schoolbell. a "weather station" next to the schoolhouse
allows visitors to observe rainfall and measure temperature.
A windmill next to the building and a weather vanes on top
of the school enables children to observe the effect of wind.
The other plants in the garden offer other assets to the
visitors. Near the schoolhouse there are groups of annuals,
perennials and tropical plants that have "animal names"
such as Cardinal flower , Hens and Chicks, Bee Balm, Snake
Plant and Elephant Ears. The annual bed at the end is different
each year and is planted by one or more school groups that
visit the Arboretum. School children also assist with the
maintenance of the garden by pulling weeds, planting perennails,
watering and mulching. The Children's Garden has been extremely
important in developing a relationship with local schools
and facilitating the Horticultural Therapy programs at Patterson
Academy, Kennedy Krieger Institure, and Saint Elixabeths's
School.