We’re just days away from Canada’s 150th birthday! “Plant” a flag in your red and/or white containers for July 1. We are so blessed to be living in this wonderful place!
As gardeners, did you know that the Canadian Garden Council, the Canadian Nursery Landscape Association, ZRB Associates and Enterprise Canada have chosen 150 jury-selected gardens and garden experiences across Canada to receive the “Canada 150 Garden Experience” designation. There are four in Saskatchewan, and one right here in Yorkton!
Sonja Pawliw’s Healing and Meditation Garden has been chosen as a Canada 150 garden, isn’t that wonderful? I caught up to Sonja (barely!) and asked her a bit about the whole experience. I asked her how she found out about being awarded this honor. “It was one day in March; the Garden Council of Toronto where the conference was held emailed me that my garden was one of the 150 gardens chosen. They congratulated me and said I could start advertising it.”
I was curious how she actually began her healing garden. “I started my garden 40 years ago when we moved into town. I wanted to have a space of my own when I retired to relax peacefully and it evolved from there. Then 25 years ago it was suggested to me to open it to the public and I did and never regretted it nor looked back. I have loved it. I have many beautiful people and over the years gained spiritually much satisfaction and strength.”
For those of you who know Sonja, you know she always has a vision for possibilities in all things. What was the vision for this garden? “To also give pleasure to others that visit the peace and tranquility I was getting from all the visitors” she explained.
Sonja warmly welcomes visitors from all over the world. “I have had people from Israel, Denmark, India, Great Britain, USA, and from all across Canada.”
I wondered what Sonja’s thoughts were about why gardening is so important in her life. “Gardening is very important to me; it is the hub of my life. God, people and nature are one; live by ‘Be still and know that I am God.’”
Since gardening is such a part of her life, I asked Sonja what advice she would give about the benefits of gardening. Her reply? “I would encourage everyone to do some gardening, even just a little bit. It fulfils your soul and spirit. You grow in peace, mind, and spirit and outlook in life.” So true!
Finally, I asked Sonja what her birthday wish is for Canada 150. “I wish Canada and its people peace, unity, harmony, equality, and love of one another. One God, one people.”
In case you are wondering where the other Canada 150 gardens are in Saskatchewan, they are: Queen Elizabeth II Gardens – Wascana Centre, Regina; Patterson Garden Arboretum, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon; Saskatchewan Perennial Society Garden Tours, Saskatoon.
Dearest Sonja, on behalf of the Yorkton and District Horticultural Society, we send our heartfelt congratulations to you on this wonderful recognition! It is so well-deserved and we are so very proud of you!
Happy Canada Day, everyone! Only July 1, take time to enjoy your gardens and say a prayer of thanksgiving for this beautiful country! God bless!
Have a great week: visit us a www.yorktonhort.ca Happy Canada Day!
