For the last two years I have served full time as the sole pastor in a busy church, cared for my four young children, helped care for my mother until her recent death and supported my husband as he returned to college full time. Now at the end of this long, tiring journey I am sorely in need of rest, renewal, and the opportunity for reflection.

I hope to explore the beauty and restorative power of gardens through two branches. One would be to spend time cultivating my home garden, learning about and integrating ideas for making my own garden a healing sanctuary for rest and reflection. The other branch would be to visit nearby gardens, and speak with the gardeners themselves, to hear their stories and philosophies as they relate to healing, rest, and inspiration. I also will take two, one-week silent retreats with the Sisterhood of St. John the Divine in Toronto, walking the labyrinth, worshiping, reading, and enjoying the Quiet Garden. I know that by having time to pull weeds, snip blooms, and sit quietly surrounded by God`s beauty I will find deep and meaningful rest, and my heart will be restored after a season of depletion.