representing healing powers. The
earth is for grounding, showing
you are connected and pulling
energy from the ground. Features
of water include the strength of
cleansing, healing and nurtur-
ing, providing an opportunity
to heal body, mind and spirit. It
also signifies the importance of
releasing tears. The wind, or air,
recognizes the breath, or exhaling,
which helps us manage emotions
and stress, connecting us to our
center. And fire helps us test our
true strength when our feet are
put to the fire. When iron or steel
are put to the fire, they get stron-
ger. Sometimes it is helpful to
write something down and burn
it, since fire is also about letting
things go.
end of the Pool of Grass, the Pavil-
ion acts as a stage for live perfor-
mances, poetry readings or small
group activities. Once you've
visually scanned the garden as a
whole, the following rooms come
to life as you walk counter-clock-
wise around the space:
this space where herbs and vege-
tables are planted annually. Herbs
promote healing, and vegetables
are used at hands-on cooking
classes. Participants are encour-
aged to take herbs with them
because the more you harvest,
the more they grow.
come, this area offers comfortable,
kid-oriented spaces. Children
enjoy the interactive sound
sculpture which was designed for
vibrational meditation. It includes
a Whale Drum that puts you into
a meditative state in minutes be-
cause of its tones and vibrations.
The Sound Tubes aim pentatonic
sound vibrations directly at your
body. A five-ton granite boul-
der, the largest boulder in the
healing garden, may be used as a
reading rock for various children's
programming. The cave provides
a safe, quite space when feeling
vulnerable, or a place to climb
talking man, with a heart on its
chest, promotes communication
and love, and stepping stones
provide a space for kids to just be
kids to play and have fun.
is the Storybook Maze where
numbered, engraved pavers lead
you through a maze that tells the
story of two caterpillars' journeys.
The story talks about transforma-
tion, recognizing that just when
the caterpillar thought his life
was over, he transformed into
something more beautiful. After
crawling through the cocoon, you
arrive at a stainless steel, interac-
tive sound instrument that is a
butterfly, which sits on the highest
point of the garden, the Sacred
Mount. It is at this point that those
strolling through the gardens
recognize they can climb new
heights and let their spirits soar!
a quiet, private place that can
be used for journaling, small
consultations. In the garden is
a structure representing home,
as well as a water feature with a
bench nearby.
Mystery Garden, there are green
rooms, with benches marked for
contemplation and reflection, as
well as Ernie's rock. This purple
granite boulder honors Ernie Sieg-
ler, the garden's largest supporter
and main donor, who passed
away during the construction of
the garden.
chief marketing officer, told us
with a smile, "It is a reminder of
one's resilience and the power to
heal the body, mind and spirit."
or smell," Austin added. "This is a
peaceful, playful, powerful garden
that is here for the community to
enjoy, as well as for individuals
diagnosed with cancer and their
loved ones."
empower individuals and families
touched by cancer through pro-
grams and services provided free
of charge.