The unveiling and ultimate completion of Joey’s Home in the summer of 2007 signified the end of a momentous project for Winnifred Stewart Association, but it also created a potential opportunity for a new and exciting one that would involve the beautification of the space between Joey’s Home and Winnifred Stewart House.

As a result of the year-long construction that had occurred to make Joey’s Home a reality, the yard separating Joey’s Home from Winnifred Stewart House was beginning to look disheveled and neglected. A decision was made to turn this excellent yet ragged-looking location into a more attractive space so that it could then become available to all residents in WSA’s homes, as well as to the Winnifred Stewart Association for its various special functions or occasions.

And so, the Winnifred Stewart Association Feng Shui Garden was born. The primary purpose of the garden will be to provide visitors with a peaceful and tranquil setting in which to reflect and meditate. This lush setting will allow individuals to explore their senses, stimulate their minds, and perhaps escape their daily burdens and worries for a little while. The proposed garden will include elements such as water fountains, benches, moon rays (to enhance outdoor ambiance in the evenings), paved wheelchair-accessible pathways, fragrant flowers, and other natural features. To help enhance the garden setting for special events, a gazebo and an area for accommodating small group gatherings are also being planned. The feng shui garden will also pay tribute to all of those individuals who have been with WSA over the years but who have now passed on. A rock with a commemorative plaque displaying the tribute on it will be placed within the garden.

While the garden is being built, it is the project developer’s (myself) and Community Pathways’ plan to form a group of individuals who share horticultural interests and who will become an intricate part of the process. This group of green thumbs will pick out and purchase plants and other items required for the garden. The possibility also exists to hold a building bee where parents, guardians, and anyone else interested in partaking in the building bee can come out on a Saturday to assist with building.

To date WSA has raised approximately $9000.00 towards the construction of the garden. An architect has been hired for design ideas, and WSA is currently looking at community businesses to assist with building material donations. A special ground-breaking event is being planned for the garden on Tuesday, June 24, 2008. Stay tuned for more exciting details which will be shared through our regular communications as this project continues to blossom.

Nichole Jordan
Project Developer
Community Pathways