Have you been to the Quiet Garden lately? If not, make a plan to stop by because you’ll be in for a treat. (It’s just east of La Parroquia.)

After weeks of hard work by volunteers, the garden has received a much-needed makeover. This effort began with an extensive clean-up and culminated last Saturday, April 18, when various native pollinator species were planted.

But not just volunteer gardeners have been hard at work. Parishioner Bill Donges has spent many hours repairing the fountain. The sight and sound of water greatly enhance the peaceful setting of the garden.

Carianne Funicelli with Strategic Habitat Enhancements designed the plantings. One of her goals was to create a peaceful sanctuary that will support local pollinators, particularly butterflies.

This is extremely important because the butterfly population has declined in recent years, partly due to shrinking habitat. Once these plants grow a bit, something should bloom every month of the year and help support these vital pollinators.

Many thanks to parishioner gardening volunteers: Pam Baygents, Richard Chuchla, Pam Henderson, Gary Huckleberry, Carolyn McKeeman, Vicki Meredith, Roger Rainbolt, Emily Swartz, and Max Swartz for their hard work in the garden. And to Bill Donges for his work repairing the fountain.

You can find the Quiet Garden nestled behind La Parroquia and in front of the Wood Shop. Click here to view the campus map.