1) Jenny's Garden
“…consider how the lilies grow.
They do not labour or spin –not even Solomon in all his splendour was dressed
like one of these. Luke12:27
Inspired by
ideas from the Sacred Space workshop attended in Griffith, Jenny wanted to do
something to bless her community and celebrate God’s creation as it was
revealed in her garden.
Jenny's front entrance made welcoming to visitors |
Gregor
Newton, previously from Sydney but now working in Hillston, had taught the
workshop so he was asked to lend his expertise as she made her plans. Sue was
asked along to share ideas too. One warm afternoon we wandered around enjoying
the garden and looking for significant areas to highlight.
The idea was
for people to “Look, Linger and Smell the Roses” as they merely enjoyed the garden
or pondered deeper issues raised by the questions and brief notes on a sheet
collected at the gate. Numbered golden Christmas baubles guided visitors on
when to read the sheet.
The garden is a cool refreshing oasis |
Areas to
think about covered many aspects of the garden, 15 in all. A few have been
selected to give you an insight into what visitors could experience on the day.
1) Lambs’ ears –Touch is often
comforting.
Who do you need to comfort,
or, what do you need to be comforted for?
2) Whimsical figures – What makes you smile?
May you laugh today, full of joy and
possibility.
3) An unobtrusive plant, light green
against darker foliage -
Focus on the
hidden gifts/talents of people around us and the value they contribute to our
lives, just as an unobtrusive flower adds to the garden’s beauty.
The day I
visited I had a few worries on my mind. As the garden worked its magic, my
spirit was refreshed and I was able to let them go and leave them in God’s
capable hands.
And
finally…..the Angel - number 15 near the
tea and coffee.
“An angel might
not have wings, might be a stranger, might even look like you!”
2) Joan’s garden
In country
towns like Hillston a lot of people and institutions are connected. Jenny’s
idea (from the Uniting Church) inspired Joan (from the Anglican) to open her magnificent
garden.
Both women are in the Hillston Garden Club; both have created these gardens from nothing after retiring from farm life.
Just one of the many beautiful garden rooms in Joan's garden |
Joan’s
garden was originally a yard of grass graced by a Hills Hoist plonked in the
middle.
Wanting to
create a relaxing, colourful and private space Joan set to work and her
current garden is the product of 18 years of activity. It is covered in flowers
and shrubs and the view as you walk in the gate takes your breath away.
The garden
is a tribute to what God can do through us as we work inspired by Him in his
creation, His world.
Wonderful idea. So good to see God at work in this space and reaching out to others. We rae very blessed in this wonderful land.
ReplyDelete