Healing Gardens, a two-acre expanse of woodland and perennial gardens at Stone Hill Farm off Dean Street in St. Charles, will be open to the public on Sunday, October 11, from 11AM-4PM.

The mosquito-free gardens open on set dates for the purpose of enjoying the natural wooded setting and perennial gardens. The admission cost is $5 per person and $10 per family. Call for discounted group rates.

In solidarity and to honor the journey, cancer survivors get free admission. Donations of time or money for upkeep are welcome. Healing Gardens is cultivated and hosted by Deborah Marqui owner of Stone Hill Farm with her husband Buzz Marqui.

The October Healing Gardens event will celebrate the publication of “Nature: Alive, Awake and Knowing - A Year of Insight and Healing” by Deborah Marqui.

It’s a yearly meditation book which contains 365 soulful reflections, lessons, poems, and insights to take you on a daily transformative journey through the tapestry of the natural world.

A special book signing will be held from 11AM-1PM. Books will be available for purchase for $18 (Zelle, checks, or cash).

“If you are thinking ahead, this daily devotional would make a meaningful Christmas gift and a wonderful way to begin the New Year!” said Deborah Marqui.

The meditation book is available through Amazon, Townhouse Books in St. Charles, Barnes and Noble, and Healing Gardens.

There’s still time to pick your own summer bouquet at the Healing Gardens.

For a small donation visitors can pick their own bouquet of flowers to take home, containers and scissors provided.

The Threshold Choir of Wheaton will join us in the gardens from 11:30AM to 12:30PM.

This choir will move quietly through the Healing Gardens singing a-cappella, brief gentle songs of comfort, gratitude, hope, peace and love. Their gentle voices bring ease and comfort to all who listen.

On October 11 from 1-2PM, join certified yoga teacher Ildiko Puskas as she leads a gentle and nurturing yoga practice in the Healing Gardens. The classes are for all levels.

Please bring a mat, bottled water and any other props that bring you comfort. Wear layers and dress for the weather.

Your class fee ($25) also offers you admission to enjoy the grounds both before and after class.

Please register under Events on the Healing Gardens website or call/text Deb Marqui: 630-740-2597.

For the 2026 season, in addition to the scheduled Sunday openings, Healing Gardens will be available for individuals and groups to visit anytime.

Please text (preferable) 630-740-2597 or call (leave a message) to make arrangements for your visit. (There is no charge for individual visits but donations are appreciated).

Ms. Marqui is cancer-free from breast cancer since 2002, and experienced remission from non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma since 1996. However, in 2023 Deborah received a diagnosis that there was a recurrence of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

Though this certainly changes the landscape of this season in her life, Deborah’s passion for the gardens remains steadfast. Her mission: to provide a safe, quiet place to experience the Sacred through wooded paths and perennial gardens. The Healing Gardens welcomes all, honoring each person’s faith tradition. Deborah is passionate about continuing to offer the healing benefits of nature to others, as she herself continues her healing journey in the gardens.

Visiting individuals or small groups are welcome to do as they please. No activity is required or requested. Stone Hill Farm has been the home of Buzz and Deb Marqui since 1972, raising four children.

Healing Gardens is located at 37W249 Dean Street, St. Charles. More info at healinggardensatstonehillfarm.com.

Please feel free to reach out to [email protected] with questions or comments.

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