"Mindful Garden" Taking Shape at Skyline School

What's a mindful garden? It's a space taking shape this month behind Skyline School that will invite visitors of all ages to stop, look, listen, touch and feel the calm that a little time in nature can bring.

A winding path through a fruit grove planted last year by volunteers will feature prompts such as "Can you see a butterfly, bird or bee? What plants do they seem to love?" And "feel your feet on the ground and imagine that you are a tree."

"Imagine you're a student having a rough day and you get called to the Principal's office. Now imagine how differently that scary meeting might go if it took place during a walk through our garden, rather than across a big desk," organizer Stacy Bostrom suggests. She worked with the school Principal, psychologist and counselor to define the sensory stops.

Already, Skyline Junior Gardener club members and parent volunteers have filled the crescent-shaped "Moon Grove" garden with whimsical statues and painted rocks. Nearby, raised beds are bursting with flowers and vegetables. More artwork and plantings will be installed this spring, including a pollinator patch sponsored by the SeaWeeders.

A grand "reveal" is planned on Sunday, April 21st, 2:00-4:00 PM. and you are invited! The Mindful Garden will be open to area residents on weekends and during the evenings, when school gates are unlocked.