Everything that slows us down and forces patience, everything that sets us back into the slow circles of nature, is a help. Gardening is an instrument of grace. —May Sarton
The Gardens of All Souls waited for us to decide whether we would move or not. With the final decision to remain at this location, thoughts turned to their needed care, especially our beloved Memorial Garden. That means us.
That means a Garden Team.
We’re just getting organized and welcome past Garden Committee members and brand-new folks. Those who have downsized in their lives and no longer garden at home but still enjoy being in nature and sharing what they can do. People with little or no experience but who want to learn by doing and have a lifetime of gardening ahead. And, finally, those who may no longer be able to do the physical work but will share their ideas and assist with tasks such as Minutes, Garden Book, Tracking Donations, etc.
We have a remarkable teacher, retired TCC Horticulture Instructor (Terry Lastinger) guiding us. Throw in a couple of Master Gardeners (Janet Williamson and Kathy Hinkle) plus much appreciated assistance from the Maintenance Department (Aaron Matzenbacher) and you have a recipe for success.
The Pandemic has significantly limited our lives in so many ways. But being outside improves our own mental and physical health and makes our Church more welcoming – think of all the wonderful time members have been enjoying being outside – including even Christmas Eve! And being “together” outdoors is the safest place to still enjoy the fellowship of friends and soon-to-be friends. As one Garden Team member said, “It feeds my soul.”
Updates to the Garden
One of our biggest projects we want to update you on is about the Ivy on the side of the building. To ivy or not to ivy, that was the question. Leave the English Ivy growing on the Church Wall in the Memorial Garden or remove it. Debated many times over many years, the answer for this ivy, on this building, at this time, was that we regretfully had to have it removed.
Depending on the surface, ivy growing up a wall may lend character to a structure, but it also may cause serious damage. In our case, the roots repeatedly invaded areas of crumbling mortar and loose bricks. The ivy even slipped into the beautiful double hung wooden windows and under the roofing materials. This created wood-damaging moisture, accelerating the rotting of the windows and invited insects. Cutting back the ivy from unwanted areas has regularly required costly maintenance and it was a battle that could never end.
How many years has it been since the Church was painted? It is time. This would be impossible unless the ivy was removed.
Feed your soul & garden with us!
We gather each Wednesday at 2 pm in the Memorial Garden. Come for an hour or stay longer. This is weather permitting – around 50 degrees. On the second Wednesday each month, we meet inside or by Zoom to catch up on what’s going on and make future plans. Interested? Join us. All you have to do is simply show up.
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