Sandpoint, ID

If I could spend a little bit of time every day at the Healing Garden, I would probably be the most relaxed person ever! The Healing Garden is a sweet little spot tucked into a wooded grove next to the hospital. This open garden was created by volunteers from the community as a spot where one could come to reconnect with oneself and with others.

The first time I went to the Healing Garden was when I was eight months pregnant with my daughter. Our birth class was in the building that abuts the garden, and we could gaze out on it during class. One evening, after our class ended, my husband and I strolled through the garden, impressed by the bounty of beauty before us. “If only our yard looked like this!” we said. The flora is outstanding, and nary a weed to be seen!

I’ve returned off and on a few times since our first visit, and this past weekend I took my toddler daughter with me. We went late Saturday morning, hoping that we would find the garden vacant so that we could feel free to explore. To my delight, the garden was ours! We strolled through the pathways, admiring the flowers in bloom. “No no, honey, we don’t pick these flowers. We only look at!” I continually said to my little one. To my relief, and I’m sure the volunteers who tend the garden, she did no damage. Good thing there were plenty of pinecones scattered around for her to play with instead!

We wound our way towards the chapel, but first we paused at the waterfall. The sound of splashing water intrigued my daughter to no end. There is a giant water feature, with water cascading over a ledge and ending in a pool. From there the water trickles through a little “mountain stream” which runs through the garden. We followed the parallel path, pausing to look at insects and toss a pebble or two.

The stone walkway led us to the chapel, a small little building built of strong timber. Entering through the door is like stepping into another realm, not because of what the chapel looks like inside, but instead because of the peace one experiences there. Indeed, the chapel, though beautiful, is humble and plain. Three benches line the walls, and in one corner is a massive stone altar of sorts. There are beautiful stained glass pieces for windows, which provide a focal point for deep reflection. And on one wall is painted this:

May the sun bring you new energy by day
May the moon softly restore you by night
May the rain wash away your worries
May you walk gently through the world and know its beauty
all the days of your life

We left the chapel and headed down the hillside behind it towards Sand Creek. We pondered the view there for a while before turning back around towards the waterfall. We stopped again there and spent many minutes in commune with nature: my daughter threw pebbles while I listened to the birds calling and the water splashing, and breathed in the fresh morning air.

I continually find the Healing Garden an amazing place. It is a place of peace, a place of beauty, a place of solitude. One can come there alone, to sit and reflect. Or one can come with friends or family, simply to share the wonder of the views.

The garden is located behind the Pinegrove Medical Center, just to the north of the hospital. Near 3rd and Poplar. It is open and free at all times; the chapel is open dawn to dusk.