Meanwhile back in Hillston - Using Your Garden as a Sacred Space

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.