The Sue Mango Memorial Garden is a living tribute to Sue Mango, the former Director of Development for the Lied Center, who passed away in 2023. A beloved member of the Lawrence community, Sue was known for her warmth, generosity, passion for the arts, and love of gardening. This garden honors her spirit, offering a peaceful space for reflection, beauty, and connection.

Thoughtfully integrated with the Lied Center Pavilion, the garden features five curvilinear raised planters set within a wedge-shaped space at the Pavilion’s entrance. These planters incorporate original site elements—an existing patio, bench, and remnants of a former garden—revitalizing the area with new life. Framed with weathering steel, the planters rise progressively from southwest to northeast, anchored by a sloped gabion wall that guides visitors inward. As the garden ascends, it becomes more enclosed, merging gradually into the natural landscape.

At its center stands a striking cross-laminated timber canopy, supported by alternating steel columns and two clusters of three. Clad in weathering steel, the canopy resembles a floating planter and unifies the garden’s design. Beneath it, a rammed earth wall and timber benches create an inviting retreat for contemplation, conversation, and community gatherings.

The plant palette celebrates the prairie ecosystem, featuring resilient, drought-tolerant species chosen for their ecological value and visual appeal. Native grasses like Little Bluestem and Prairie Dropseed offer structure and movement, while sedges—including Oak, White-Tinged, and Plains—add lush greenery. Perennials such as Milkweed, Goldenrod, Wild Columbine, and Royal Catchfly provide seasonal color and vital habitat for pollinators.

More than a landscape, the Sue Mango Memorial Garden reflects Sue’s love of nature, community, and the arts. It continues her legacy, offering a place of peace and inspiration for all who visit.