Steve M.
Yelp
It starts to fade when you arrive down the hidden drive into the parking lot....the stress. Daily schedules, commitments, deadlines... the disappear.. and are supposed to.
That's one of the things about this Sanctuary --a place of refuge and protection. For Humans, Flora, and Fona.
Other gardens appear landscaped, maintained, manufactured, museum like in the tagging and display of rare, special trees, flowers and native plants.
This space mimics the natural Pinewood & Rockland Hammocks that is South Florida's native, natural undisturbed areas. Small trails with benches to reflect, read a book, find your peace. Waterfalls, a Lagoon full of Koi and Cichlids, Zen Garden, Butterfly Garden, Horse Bar, Bat Houses, Chocolate Bar Restaurant..... you really never knew this place was here. a hidden gem, really.
We had a tour arranged for our group with Randall Quirk, the most energetic, engaging, interesting accompaniment we could have asked for. He knew all the stories, all the plant life, and all the techniques for reducing stress, and relaxing at the Sanctuary.
He took us to a very unique part of the Sanctuary called the Mindful Pocket Park - a series of mini parks one for each of your senses as the anchor of focus, relaxing you you will arrive in the present moment.
We had an older woman with us, who was slow with a walker. Randall made sure she kept with the group, was constantly checking on her, and even escorted her to the bathroom during our lunch break. He really made us all feel so welcome.
This really is a Patch of Heaven, can't wait to go back.
Go see Randall, He's a HOOT !