Healing Gardens, a two-acre expanse of woodland and perennial gardens at Stone Hill Farm off Dean Street in Saint Charles, announced its next scheduled opening to the public will be Sunday, August 10, 2025.

Healing Gardens is cultivated and hosted by Deborah Marqui, owner of Stone Hill Farm, with her husband Buzz Marqui.

Ms. Marqui, who is cancer-free from non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma since 1996 and in remission from breast cancer since 2002, finds great restoration of spirit in her gardens and property and wants to share that with the public for their own rejuvenation.

“Come into Healing Gardens and allow Nature to lower your blood pressure and reboot your nervous system,” said Deborah Marqui. “Being around trees our nerves send signals to the brain to shut down our “fight or flight” stress responses and restore calm.”

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

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

The August 10 Sunday Opening features Yoga In the Gardens class (weather permitting) from 1 pm – 2 pm. Attendees can stress and tension, relax muscles, increase circulation, or simply enjoy a day in beautiful gardens. Participants should bring a mat, bottled water and any other props that bring you comfort. Wear layers and dress for the weather.

Please register on the Healing Gardens website. The class fee ($20) also offers admission to enjoy the grounds both before and after class.

You can also enjoy a “Mantra Meditation” from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm, where Harmony Pavett and Muriel Reymond will lead a sonic meditation through Raga Mantras in the serene outdoor setting of the Healing Gardens. The fee is $20 which includes the entrance fee to the gardens. No need to pre-register.

Healing Gardens at Stone Hill Farm is two acres of perennial gardens in a beautiful, wooded setting in Saint Charles, IL. The gardens are open to the public on the second Sunday of each month from May through October. The admission fee is $5 per person and $10 per family. Call for discounted group rates. Cancer survivors are free, although donations of time or money for upkeep are appreciated. Groups are welcome to schedule and reserve special days to visit the gardens. Deborah leads day retreats, hosts Silent Saturday Mornings, and is a commissioned presenter of Centering Prayer. She is the author of From the Fire Into the Garden: A Healing Journey.

Location: Healing Gardens at Stone Hill Farm 37W249 Dean Street St. Charles, IL 60175 Phone: 630-740-2597 Website: www.healinggardensatstonehillfarm.com

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

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