(Jane Eligh-Feryn spoke at Handbags for Hospice, October 2024)

It is my great pleasure to speak with you tonight and to tell you a little about the inspirationand the design of the Hospice Serenity Garden.

My name is Jane Eligh-Feryn, and I have practiced Landscape Architecture for over 35 years in many capacities. I love my profession as I have been able to create beautiful natural spaces for public and private clients. I am still practicing my profession but am at a point in life where I am able to pick and choose the projects I want to be involved with. When I was approached by Lucie and asked if I would be interested in designing a Serenity Garden for the Hospice I was honoured and so very pleased to be able to work on this important project.

Contact with nature is tremendously important to our wellbeing as human beings. There has been much research to support the understanding that spending time in nature, exposed to the sights, smells, textures and sounds of the natural world brings one a sense of calm and peace of mind while reducing stress. The Japanese concept of “Forest Bathing” is based on this knowledge.

I am sure all of you have witnessed this in your own lives, and understand the value of spending time in a beautiful peaceful natural setting. This is perhaps most important at the very critical times in our lives, when we are dealing with the reality of facing our own end of life, or that of a loved one.

My husband, Pat Feryn passed away about two years ago. He was a person who thrived in the outdoors and in his last few months we spent many quiet times in our own garden, or in the parks in Stratford, where we could watch the birds, listen to the sounds of running water and the rustle of leaves and feel the gentle breezes on our faces and bodies. These times were precious for us as a family and helped Pat and me to feel some periods of peace and calm during an otherwise very difficult time.

I think because of the recent death of my husband, it seemed so very important for me to be able to work on this project. I know that a garden such as the one we are proposing, will be a tremendous asset to this already fantastic facility and will provide families, residents and staff with a very welcoming place to sit quietly, allowing for peaceful and intimate spaces for conversations and sharing.

In the process of designing the garden, Lucie and Louise approached me with their story board of ideas that they hoped to see incorporated in the garden. The first round of conceptual development was presented to the staff, families, volunteers and residents of the Hospice to gain feedback and ideas. Many of these ideas have been incorporated into the design.

Some of these ideas include:

• Flowing pathways wide enough so beds can be comfortably wheeled out to the garden by family members or staff;

• A bubbling rock or small water feature the will provide the sound of flowing water and attract birds and butterflies to the space;

• Three pavilions which will allow for two smaller groups and one larger group space for families and staff to gather in relative privacy protected from the elements;

• Bermed planting beds will gently enclose the space to provide a sense of protection and privacy from the surrounding neighbourhood;

• Seasonal plantings will ensure spring, summer, fall and winter interest in the gardens with many flowering trees, and areas rich with mixed perennial plantings;

• Colour, Scent, and Textures will be varied and provide areas of focal points as one moves through the spaces;

• Exposed aggregate walkways will add a textural footing while softening the reflected light from harsh sunlight and ensure smooth barrier free access to the garden for everyone;

• Ambient landscape lighting will magically bring the evening garden to life allowing it to be enjoyed for extended hours in the warm months of the year, and beautify the evening when viewed from within the building;

• Irrigation will keep the gardens watered and healthy and good quality regular mulching will ensure the gardens grow well, and weed free;

• And a special sculptural piece that will serve as a strong focal point, and will serve as a remembrance element

Obviously, these things all come with a price tag. Any of you who have undertaken home landscaping projects understand that there is a considerable cost involved with developing a project of this size and complexity.

The Hospice is an incredible asset to the Stratford Community. And the community at large has supported the development and ongoing operation of the Hospice with amazing generosity.

We all know that this “home”, and all that it offers and represents, is a gift to each and every one of us. We are truly blessed to have it here in our city.

The Serenity Garden will provide another important piece in the already extensive tapestry of rich services that Rotary Hospice offers. I hope you will welcome this opportunity to support the construction of this garden with your generosity and enthusiasm.

I thank you for the opportunity to talk about the garden tonight and I welcome any questions.