The Healing Garden

On By ResaIn Alley Gallery, GLaM Extra

There had been some cool alley finds on this hot day, but not a real prize.

Then I turned into a shady alley, sweet smelling and comforting.

It was a Healing Garden.

Turns out this alley is one of 2 Healing Gardens. A concept designed by artist Monica Wickeler & Indigenous artist Nyle Miigizi, the alley is filled with native plants and healing medicines. The Anishinaabe Nation’s story of the gift of Jewelweed was handed down to Nyle from his grandmother, Verna Patronella Johnston.

Mural artist Gosia Komorski was hired to paint.

Healing… we can all use some right now.

Best to be whole and positive, as we go into what seems will be a hectic new year.

Now it’s winter, but I fully intend to find the other Healing Garden, in late spring when the herbs are happening.

Pics taken by Resa – August 30, 2024

Toronto, Canada

Mural Artist:

If you click on the document below, you can read about the project. Pardon for the sloppy shot!

This song is not about a Healing Garden, but it feels like one. (Yes, the image is moving!)

152 thoughts on “The Healing Garden”

    1. Yeah! Great good luck..I’ll take it!

      I want to go to the second healing garden NOW, but I’m sure it’s a Healing Snow Garden at the moment. ….. Still….. Are you having the best time?

      💖🤍🕊

        1. Ahh, I guess Australia is kind of close to Japan. South Seas at any rate.
          My hubs has relatives there. His grandfather and grandmother came to Canada from Japan.
          Is it crowded?

          1. Strangely, it is not crowded despite being the biggest city in the world with 37 million people. It is clean, modern and efficient and the people are so polite and considerate. It is a lovely change from home and Europe.

    1. Agree, and this was a wonderful experience. I could actually feel a peacefulness when I found this, but I didn’t know it had a healing purpose , yet.

      You have a fine weekend, too, Martha. This year sure slid by. Christmas so close, so soon. xx

  4. What a wonderful concept these are. And you are right Resa, the world needs healing and certainly a change of direction right now. Wonderful artwork to boot! Such vibrant colours, I love it. Kind regards, Jay😊

  7. Beautiful mural, but I love the entire project. Thank you for including the information. I like that it carries generations of stories, and that the project also included new generations. And I guess if this is a hospital lane, I assume it’s near a hospital or the site of a former one? I imagine it must be lovely to sit near the herbs in late spring and summer.

    Joni Mitchell has had her healing journeys. She’s probably appreciate this project, too.

    1. It is a fabulous project, so much more than just a pretty face.

      The hospital is a bit off from this one, but there is a place for the aged quite close. The second Healing Garden is actually in a lane right behind a hospital. I’ll go see that one in the later spring, when the green has sometime to fill in.

      I hated to leave this place. I did linger.

      You know, I travel in a lot of alleys, and they aren’t the best smelling places, by and large. However, this one was different. It smelled soft, pretty sort of. (I’m sure you would have a word for what I’m trying to say).

      It felt good, comforting, as I entered. It was exhilarating. I didn’t realize what it was until I got home and read the plaque. I didn’t see the plaque until I was leaving. I’m glad I grabbed the shot.

      Thinking of healing, many of your Monday Musing shots are just that.

      Thank you, Merril!

      1. It is a fabulous project, and it’s so wonderful that you felt that you wanted to linger there. I’m sure the whole thing is wonderful when it’s in bloom.
        And thank you for the kind words, Resa! xx

  8. Rarely a mural convey the concept mentionned as strong as this one and of top of that, my favorite musician Joni!! Love all of her music and as you wrote, it goes so well with the mood of this alley, fabulous post Resa, you made my morning today thanks, will put on my Canadiana lecture list on Spotify 🙂 Joni, Sarah, Neil and Bruce, I let you guess the family names…:)

        1. Of course, The band, Guess Who, BTO, Cowboy Junkies, aka Rankin family I think, Tragically Hip, Crash Test dummies, Shania, Holly Cole, Diana Krall, Norah Jones, I should conclude like in those old tv adds…and many more, with a sound effect amplyfing the words…:)

    2. JMR,

      I agree!

      This Healing Garden has been on my list to post since I found it. I’m happy to have helped get your day off to a nice start.

      Lots of great Canadian music. Remember Robbie and Bryan!

      I let you guess the family names! xx

  10. Those flowers are so expressive, and the colors — wow! Thanks for sharing such a special place with us, Resa. Artwork like this uplifts the soul and is truly healing. What an amazing project and idea. Positive reminders of the simple, joyful things in life are what keeps some people going from one day to another (by that, I mean me, lol!). 🎨☺🖌🌸

    1. Agree, this is a wonderful place. It is definitely beyond the art of a mural. The entire experience is art.

      Cities should have many of these dispersed throughout. It would make for a healthier environment.

      Happy you like this ADA! 🕊🤍🌟

  12. A fantastic idea to have a garden of healing plants 🙂 And this artwork pairs very well with that. The flowers of course, but also the woman looking up, and optimistic 🌞

    1. Agree, optimistic is the right word. I thought exactly that.

      These healing gardens are perfect urban rejuvenation rest spots. We do have little parkettes here and there, but they’re not like this.

      Sadly, it seems like the small parks are now tent cities here in Toronto.

  13. I have not heard that song in who knows how many years. Most likely when I was 10 and it was on the radio.

    Anyway, the healing garden concept is great! “Healing… we can all use some right now.” I think we need to have indigenous people run both of our countries and maybe there will be some real healing. of course a great concept is not worth its while if not followed up with great work, and the mural works here. From what you said, the native healing plants do as well.

    Have a wonderful weekend 🙂

    1. Yes, the song is one I remembered from way back when, when I heard it. The search was for Joni Mitchell singing Woodstock, which she wrote. That would have worked, but the CSN&Y version would not have.

      Anyway, this popped up, and it worked for me.

      LOL! Funny you say that. Winnipeg, Canada’s 6th largest city (700,000) now has an indigenous mayor.

      Yes, the plants work, the entire space is a tiny haven. I adore it.

      You have a great weekend too, Trent!

  15. I just love her expression. So incredibly hopeful, Resa. I don’t know if I’ve felt that way in a long time. Happy, yes, but hopeful…. I don’t know. Not like that. It’s marvelous. And the whole concept of a healing garden is beautiful. I plan on redoing my front garden next spring/summer (it’s so overgrown with weeds). Healing would be a good theme (plus butterflies). Great post.

    1. Oh yes, make a Healing Garden. For Butterflies, you will want to plant wildflowers. Pollinator gardens are common in my travels. No mowed lawns, lots of green, a plethora of little blooms, bursts of big blooms, all kinds of butterflies everywhere and of course Milkweed for Monarch butterflies.

      I think the Pollinator and Healing Gardens go hand in hand.

      The beauty is, low maintenance, high rewards.

      OMG … gardens, murals… paradise… a Sorcerer’s Garden! xx

  16. Lovely idea, I like it when I find a nice little secluded spot in a busy city. A brief reminder of nature is good for the brain.

    “Pardon for the sloppy shot!” – Not good enough, march back down there and get a better photograph, comrade.

    1. ‘Oron!

      Yes, it’s most soothing. I hated to leave and did linger quite awhile.

      WELL, excuse me! No, I will not go back and get a better shot. It’s half way across the city. Look, just because you have a spiffy new Gravatar shot doesn’t mean you have the last word on photos.

      I’m sure the gals have ripped your abode to shreds trying to get a piece of you, now that you have this manly headshot.

      Personally, I shall refrain from such bohemian activity.

      Besides I need to catch up on Santa posts, and write you a mail. Good news acomin ….. maybe.

      1. Pffft. Get back down there with a full film crew and got a high-quality production shoot of it. That’s an order!

        And thank you kindly. Shall get to your email shortly, avec pictures (cos I just adopted a cat).

  19. Oh, my dear, it is healing indeed! You have caught another ace. We might just learn how to find peace in a garden, whether of the mother art or nature. Joni Mitchell’s song brought me back in time!🎯💥

    My best wishes for a blessing WE.

    🥰🌟💖😘

  20. So beautiful and you can feel the peace and calmness through the photographs. The colors, the expression on her lovely face, the flowers…all work together to bring about serenity. It’s absolutely wonderful, Resa.

  21. Oh, a find indeed, Resa! I love even the thought of this healing garden. The mural makes me think of a quilt of gentle breezes and air softly scented with herbs and flowers. Thanks for taking us to this wondrous place. Hugs.

  22. A wonderful post, Resa, with a message that is so important today, especially during the month of December. Your photography captures the deep meaning of how gardens promote well-being and recovery. Incorporating elements of nature that foster tranquility and reflection are soothing to our soul. Whenever I visit my brothers in St. Albert Alberta, I visit the Healing Garden/Kâkesimokamik located along the Red Willow Trail. It is one of the first of its kind in Canada. It is the commitment of the St. Albert community to reconciliation. https://stalbert.ca/exp/heritage/reconciliation/healing-garden/

    Many thanks for lifting me up today with your photos and insights. Sending hugs.

    1. Rebecca!

      I read this yesterday and checked out the Healing Garden link you sent.
      I’m glad we are facing the awful past, and attempting to make the future better.

      This small alley garden, was a tranquil spot, and I did feel healing.
      The aboriginal inhabitants of Canada were tied to nature, in a meaningful, spiritual way.

      We have much to learn from them.
      HUGS!

    1. Agree! It was a lovely place to linger, Jo.
      Yes.. Healing Gardens all around are a great idea. I will look for the 2nd one in the spring!
      Take care!

  26. Hello Resa!! So this must’ve been taken in the Summer months, right, can’t imagine it’s been hot over there right now in Toronto! 😀

    Anyways, what a gorgeous mural!! I LOVE this stunning Healing Garden, the drawing, colors, everything is just beautiful! Nice video of Joni Mitchell too, perfect for this post. Have a splendid weekend!

    1. Lol, yes, these were taken in late August.
      It’s freezing here now, as I’m sure it is in the Twin Cities.
      It was a lovely spot to sit and linger.
      Egads, it’s already Sunday late afternoon.
      Okay, have a wonderful week ahead, Ruth!
      🕊🤍🌟

  27. It truly is a Healing Garden!

    What a gorgeous find, dahlin!

    Sending Love, Flowers and Hugs

    and

    ….you know what from you know who!

    🐾😘🐾😘🐾😘🐾😘🐾😘🐾😘🐾😘🐾😘

    1. Aww, sending an entire Healing Garden of plants and art back to you!
      xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo
      AND for Hera…a Sponge and Kisses with Hugs Garden!
      xo🧽xo🧽xo🧽xo🧽xo🧽xo🧽xo🧽
      4 U 🕊🤍🌟🌹❦💖

  29. I love this post, Resa…the vibrant colors, the hope, the design, the concept. Yes, I know I could use a healing garden, and I want to feel hopeful, but the news steals any slice of hope beginning to shine. It’s a work in progress. Have a lovely day! Hugs xo

    1. Dear Lauren,
      I hear you.
      There could be some challenging years ahead.
      We will need MANY of these gardens after that!
      Hopefully, in 2 years, there will be some relief.
      Have a wonderful week!
      xoxo😘🕊🤍

  35. Oh Sorceress, what a fabulous find! I love that it is not just pretty but has a whole story attached. And to have it smell so lovely is more than a bonus.

    I love the addition of the Joni Mitchell song. I think you’re right. She would definitely appreciate it, methinks.

    1. Yes, the wonderful scent..IN AN ALLEY.
      I mean stench would be the usual word.
      I hated to leave. It was one of those places that could be home, but isn’t.
      If that makes any sense.?

      Love that song! Whatever Joni is going through now, I wish her the best!
      xoxoxo⚡️💥xoxoxo

      1. Fantabulous. And it makes perfect sense to me.

        I love so many of her songs. Stuck between Both Sides Now (the older voice) and The River on which is my favourite…

        xoxoxo 🧚🏻‍♀️🌟 xoxoxo

  36. Ahhhhh! This is fabulously beautiful! Such a grand find dear Resa. Such peaceful natural beauty. We all need this loveliness , I really hope to see the spring version though this is alive like the spring !
    Sorry to be late. My enormous mail! 🔪
    Adore you dear Resa. You bring us such amazing loveliness.
    xo🐭🐭 o

    1. No worries!
      Your mail frightens me. I only hope we don’t lose you under its avalanche.

      It was a wonderful experience to be there. The garden works!
      I’m off to the art supply store tomorrow, and of course will keep a look out for street art.
      It’s always slim pickins in the winter.
      Thinking of you!
      xo🐭🐭 ox

                1. Lol! Yes! It took quite awhile, specially with the moustache.
                  The moustache is a camouflage in a way, but one has to feel the overbite there, because it is there.

                  I’ll do a Joni, and maybe after pics are taken, I’ll try some flower child bg on it.
                  XO 🐭🐭XO

                  1. You did such an astounding job on Freddie!
                    Im all into the flower child era. I would love to do a narrative on that age with a tribute to Joni . My favorite song by her is Popsicle Toes. Lolol

  39. I love love love LOVE those colors.

    Did I mention I love them?

    A more apt name . . the Healing Garden . . . there could not have been. It’s perfect, really.

    1. Agree, the colours are wonderful.
      Agree about the healing!
      Still the wound would close faster if the pumpkin jackass would stop calling Canada the 51st state and our PM the Governor.
      SIGH!
      MUAH!

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