Nature nurtures the spirit at Healing Gardens

When times are stressful, sometimes an escape into nature is just the ticket.

A privately-owned two-acre perennial garden in St. Charles offers a chance for weary visitors to relax, breathe or do whatever they wish, so long as they do it quietly.

Healing Gardens is cultivated and hosted by Deborah Marqui, owner of Stone Hill Farm, with her husband Buzz Marqui.

"I created Healing Gardens as place where people can come replenish and

renew their spirits through being in nature," Deborah Marqui wrote in a news release. "The gardens are a quiet place where people are welcome to read, nap, draw,

meditate, journal, swing or walk or simply do nothing."

Deborah Marqui, a cancer survivor, says she finds great restoration of spirit in her gardens and property.

Healing Gardens at Stone Hill Farm, 37W249 Dean St., is open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. the second Sunday of the month through October. There is no charge but donations are accepted. For information call (630) 377-1846 or e-mail deb@dmarqui.com