Healing Gardens open July 11
Healing Gardens, a two-acre expanse of woodland and perennial gardens in St. Charles, will be open Sunday, July 11. The mosquito-free gardens of Stone Hill Farm off Dean Road are open to the public on set dates for the purpose of enjoying the natural wooded setting and perennial gardens. 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 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.
"It's time to pick a summer bouquet of flowers at Healing Gardens. Flowers are food for the soul," Deborah Marqui said. For a small donation visitors can pick their own bouquet of flowers to take home, jars and scissors provided.
The July 11th opening will offer an optional outdoor, gentle Yoga In The Garden class from 1 to 2 p.m., taught by Nancy May. No prior yoga experience is necessary. Go to www.yogafromtheheart.org or call (815) 319-3500 to register.
For the 2021 season, in addition to the scheduled Sunday openings, Healing Gardens will be available for individuals and groups to visit anytime.
Please text (preferable) 630-740-2597 or call (leave a message) to make arrangements for your visit. There is no charge, for individual visits but a donation would be appreciated.
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. Visiting individuals or small groups are welcome to do as they please. No activity is required or requested.
Healing Gardens at Stone Hill Farm are open to the public on the second Sunday of each month from May through October. Deborah also leads day retreats, hosts Silent Saturday Mornings, and is a commissioned presenter of Centering Prayer. She is the author of "From the Fire Into the Garden A Healing Journey." Healing Gardens is located at 37W249 Dean St. in St. Charles. For more information, call (630) 740-2597 or visit www.healinggardensatstonehillfarm.com.