Bereavement group explores healing through gardening

Penny Rouse, owner of Sprout Garden Center, spoke to 18 participants attending Half-Full Bereavement Fellowship’s May gathering.

Rouse shared how her grandmother inspired her through the time they spent gardening together. She spoke about the many styles of gardens including biblical, cottage and scattered gardens and explained how gardens can be thoughtfully arranged to create a desired sense of beauty, peace, comfort or solitude.

The afternoon’s central theme focused on the memories flowers often carry with them. The fragrance of lilacs, roses, lavender and gardenias prompted conversation as participants reflected on memories of parents and grandparents planting, tending and harvesting flower and vegetable gardens.

Each attendee received a stock flower, and the gathering concluded with homemade refreshments provided by participants, along with discussion of future speakers and possible excursions.

The next meeting will be held Thursday, June 25 at Central Christian Church.

Half-Full Bereavement Fellowship is a Christ-centered group founded to support individuals navigating the hardships of loss. The group meets the fourth Thursday of each month.

For more information call 740-502-1702.