08/22/2020
Sybil’s Garden Reflections
At the end of the path from the Sundial to the garden wall on the western side, there is a very comfortable wooden bench. I was there this morning as the sun rose over the garden. It is such a tranquil place, a place of healing.
A couple months ago, a small group of us began tending this garden. Every Saturday morning, we have weeded and mulched and scraped moss from the rocks on the numerous stone paths through the garden and also toward Sybil’s cottage. We have trimmed the over-grown Rhododendron and other vegetation from around the cottage.
If it were not for this garden, I would never have met many of these volunteers. Those that I have known for many years, I am coming to know much better through our common task. I was looking forward to the arrival of the others, and I wondered what motivated them to keep coming back. I decided I would ask them today.
We have occasionally spoken of a long-term vision which includes a parking lot near Route 6 and a 200-yard trail through the forest to Sybil’s Place to allow the community of Kane to have easy access to this relatively unknown treasure within the Borough. Another trail will allow wheelchair access for residents of the Lutheran Home so that they might experience the joys of this garden.
Hopefully the cottage will be restored and then used as a visitor’s center or for some other purpose. We have spoken of Sybil’s Place as an education center for people of all ages, and a place where the arts in all forms will flourish with a deliberate effort to enhance the preservation of memory. The bench near the Rose Garden is inscribed with the words, “God gave us memories so we can have roses in December. This group of volunteers is not only tending the garden, but we are also creating memories for the Decembers of our lives.
Around eight the group began to gather, and they immediately were at work. Clearly, they enjoy these very ordinary tasks. I told them that I had been wondering what it was about this place that brought them back each week. There were various comments about the peacefulness of being in such a delightful garden, and there also was a very clear realization that this is somewhat of an oasis in the midst of our Covid-ravaged world. Here we can safely maintain social distancing while enjoying pleasant conversation in a wonderful outdoor setting.
Today, a new electric panel was installed at the cottage and some leaks in the water lines were identified. There is a very good chance that next Saturday we will have at least one working bathroom in the cottage! Only the best for our volunteers. I hope you can join us next Saturday.
Tom Pierotti
