As part of the treatment process
The garden is designed to be in, not just observed. When the weather cooperates, group therapy sessions take place amid the natural surroundings. It is the setting for family visits, individual counseling time, private journaling and other contemplative activities. Exercise assists the recovery process and walks through the garden are part of the program. Through the Experiential Therapies Department Art Therapy uses the garden for inspiration and a special horticulture therapy program is being explored.
Building the garden
The first phase of the garden was made possible by a donation from the families of John and Linda Anderson and John and Judy Graff. The Andersons are the owners of Anderson Japanese Gardens in Rockford which is rated the #1 Japanese Garden for quality in North America and Europe by the Roth Journal of Japanese Gardening. John Anderson was instrumental in the campaign to build the Rosecrance Griffin Williamson facility and felt that a healing garden would be an essential element of the new campus.
“We all need a place where we can get away from the hustle and stress of life, a place of peace and tranquility. When we find that place, we find strength. The Rosecrance Serenity Garden is such a place. These gardens are meant to be a part of the healing process offered by this incredible facility where miracles happen,” stated John Anderson, philanthropist.
The second phase of the project was supported through $1 million from individual donations which allowed the garden to expand its walking paths, add additional landscaping and construct a second 12-step waterfall.
Phase I was completed Fall 2004 and phase II in Spring 2006.
In the summer of 2007, a Japanese bell tower was constructed on the western edge of the garden overlooking the large pond which is central to the garden. When an adolescent completes treatment in the Rosecrance program for their alcohol and drug abuse addiction, he/she goes to the tower to ring the bell, signaling to the entire Rosecrance community that someone has embarked on the road to recovery. A special ceremony has been developed by the counseling staff to mark this occasion.
About the garden’s designer
The Rosecrance Serenity Garden, which is described as a natural garden with a Japanese influence, was designed by renowned landscape designer Hoichi Kurisu of the firm Kurisu International of Portland, Oregon. Kurisu is a graduate of Tokyo’s Waseda University. The firm also designed the Anderson Gardens. The Rosecrance Serenity Garden is one of only two full size Japanese style healing gardens in the U.S.
“You must introduce yourself to the garden and the garden will introduce itself to you. It invites you to come in. Everything connects to the human soul,” explains Kurisu.
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What impact has the garden made?
The best way to answer this question is through the words of our adolescent clients.
“It is a peaceful area to reflect on what I will accomplish in treatment and what I will do when I leave. It takes my mind off my problems. The Serenity Garden is a big part of my recovery.”
Robert T.
“Whenever I am feeling sad, I walk through the gardens and all of my problems seem to go away."
Chris B.
“The Serenity Garden helps me relax when under stress because it helps me reflect on the simple things in life.”
Andrew B.
“Whenever I feel weak in recovery, I look out at the garden and I realize that I couldn’t enjoy all the beauty of the world under the influence. It reminds me of how much I want recovery.”
Emma R.
“When I stand on the bridge and look at the pond, the water, the trees and the ducks are all in sync. It makes me feel calm … it is hard not to believe in God as I stand here.”
Jeff B.
“In the garden I feel free, rejuvenated, replenished and hopeful that my future will not be in addiction.”
Emily C.
From our adolescent treatment center administrator:
“It is nice, perhaps necessary, while in the midst of a battle to have a chance to retreat, and feel “calm.” We truly are blessed here.”
Dave Gomel
Vice President for Adolescent Services |
The main elements of the Healing Garden
A healing garden is designed to incorporate physical, emotional and spiritual elements. The main characteristics of the Healing Garden include: |
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At the entrance a small waterfall pond surrounded by boulders and lush greenery welcomes the visitor to both the garden and the Rosecrance Facility. Entrances are an important part of garden design. |
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Boulders anchor the garden like the bone structure of the body. The boulders were shipped from a farm in Wisconsin, about 1½ hours from Rockford. The farm has the oldest boulders in the country, some dating back 1 billion years. The Serenity Garden boulders are around 2 million years old. The largest one, located at the top of the main waterfall, weighs more than 40 tons. These ancient stones provide a sense of history, permanence and longevity which are all a part of the healing process. |
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Water is a basic element in the garden and takes on many forms. Two cascading waterfalls are located in the garden. Each makes a 12-step descent eventually emptying into the one acre pond. The 12-steps represent the 12 universally accepted steps to recovery from the disease of addiction. The large waterfall re-circulates 1200 gallons of water per minute. The pond is 13’ in the center leveling out to 10’ with a 4’ shelf running along the edge. It is filled with Koi, bluegill and bass.
The water represents our lifeblood. As you stand on the deck, you view the action of the waterfall. We watch it come down to the calm surface and feel the serenity of the pond. It reminds us that we are never alone in the universe. |
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Pathways provide direction, but the surfaces of the pathways change as you walk producing different sounds and feel, slowing your pace and encouraging you to experience the garden. The different surfaces include wood, cement, blacktop, gravel, brick, and stones. There are no straight lines in the garden. |
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Trees provide the major structure of the garden and give direction. About 60% of the trees and plants were transplanted from Oregon with the remaining 40% representing local and native varietals. Scotch pine and red maple bordering the waterfall provide the major structure of the garden. The trees were planted at a slant which shows the force of wind which is what happens to trees in nature. The trees lean toward the visitor as in reaching to embrace them. The trees invite the visitor to look at the garden from afar. The garden is also surrounded by woods which offer comfort, strength and stability. |
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Serenity circles along the pathways invite visitors to sit and enjoy the tranquil beauty of the gardens. Each circle has its own views and characteristics - some have bench seating while others provide only boulders, some are large and more public while others are small and secluded. |
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Wildlife is invited into the garden through the plantings and the placement of birdfeeders. |
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