A Volley from the Canon, Number 140, Healing Gardens

A VOLLEY FROM THE CANON, NUMBER 140 HEALING GARDENS (with thanks to the Rev. John Rice in Encountering God’s Handiwork for ConneXions) Does your congregation have a “Healing Garden?” Perhaps it could, with very little adaptation from your existing, beautiful and well-maintained landscape design. If your property is visible to passers-by, accessible outside of worship times, and visited or transited by both members and the public, perhaps it ought to. What better way to emphasize the great concentration on healing practiced by Jesus himself in his earthly ministry, and the attention the church has historically given to healing of body, mind, and spirit? What would make the garden a healing garden? Maybe, to start with, just an attractive sign proclaiming the space as such. However, there should be other features, too, to make it inviting, restful, and inspiring to visit. Here are some suggestions to incorporate: 1. A water feature adds coolness, peaceful sound effect, a sense of motion, and a drinking source for birds, even if it is a small one. 2. A bench or a few chairs for sitting and meditating. 3. Some shade, as a refuge from summer sun. 4. Smooth, level pathways for safe, unobstructed access. 5. Plantings chosen for color, mature size, texture, and blooming time for variety, interest, and continuing beauty. 6. An eye to the level of maintenance needed. 7. Design around some kind of statuary, or a focal point. 8. Consider fragrance as well as visual effect. 9. For the blind, add tactile elements. 10. Don’t forget plants that attract birds and butterflies. 11. Raised beds offer access to the handicapped, plus additional seating, quicker weeding, and access for hands-on experience. 12. A good mulch helps conserve water, reduce weeding, and give a consistency to plantings. Additionally, To plant a garden including plants, flowers, and herbs that traditionally have healing properties, check out the lists contained here: http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0932600.html http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_plants_used_in_herbalism http://www.liveandfeel.com/medicinalplants.html The coming fall could be an ideal time to plan, dig, and lay out a garden. Have fun dreaming, but remember—don’t plant more than you and your friends can weed! You’ll want to spend some time just sitting in the shade, hearing, smelling, and seeing the results of the handiwork you and God have produced in partnership. A garden, open and welcoming to the public, is a sign of Christian hospitality, inviting friend and stranger alike to enter and to linger. A healing garden is a sign of the life-giving ministry of Jesus, who heals and makes whole, and of the Holy Spirit, who continues to work miracles of healing in the present day.