Healing Gardens to close for the season Oct. 14
Submitted by Deborah Marqui
Healing Gardens, a two-acre expanse of woodland and perennial gardens on Stone Hill Farm off Dean Street in St. Charles, will hold its last opening date for the 2018 season from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 14.
The gardens are open to the public on set dates for the purpose of enjoying the natural wooded setting and perennial gardens. The admission cost is $5 per person and $10 per family, call for discounted group rates. In solidarity and to honor the journey, cancer survivors are always free. Donations of time or money for upkeep are welcome. Healing Gardens is cultivated and hosted by Deborah Marqui owner of Stone Hill Farm with her husband Buzz Marqui.
Marqui, who is cancer-free from non-Hodgkin's lymphoma since 1996 and in remission from breast cancer since 2002, finds great restoration of spirit in her gardens and property and wants to share that with the public for their own rejuvenation. "Come and immerse yourself in the transformation of Nature into the rich colors of fall. There is still time to pick a bouquet of flowers with numerous colors of mums, summer blooms and fall foliage," said Ms. Marqui. For a small donation visitors can pick their own bouquet of flowers to take home, jars and scissors provided.
The October opening will offer Tai Chi in the Garden, weather permitting, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Instructor Jarett Sanchez of Fox Valley Tai Chi will lead participants through a refreshing warm-up, a peaceful Standing Meditation Qi Gong session, and then an introduction to basic movements from the Yang Style of Tai Chi. No prior experience is necessary. To register go to www.foxvalleytaichi.blogspot.com or email Jarett at foxvalleytaichi@gmail.com.
The Oct. 14 opening also will offer an optional outdoor Yoga In The Garden class from 1 to 2 p.m. taught by Nancy May. Go to www.yogafromtheheart.org or call (815) 319-3500 to register.
Visiting individuals or small groups are welcome to do as they please. No activity is required or requested. People are welcome to read, nap, draw, meditate, journal, swing or simply do nothing. Stone Hill Farm is the home of Buzz and Deb Marqui where they have lived since 1972, raising four children.