Joni's Garden

 

 

I just knew I would keep going back each year.  The peacefulness and beauty found in Joni Hladun’s garden calls out to me, and so it was that I and my sister showed up on her doorstep last week to enjoy her wonderful creation.  What makes the visit even more special is Joni’s obvious joy in sharing her amazing garden.  She guides you through it with descriptions of where items originated, who built what, which artist created a painting or sculpture, often punctuated by her infectious laughter.  This woman is as amazing as her garden.

            The space in front and behind the Hladun home is a whimsical world of plants, flowers and ornaments.  You can feel the magic of this special place the moment you step out of your vehicle and look up toward the house.  No matter where your eyes turn, there is beauty in the form of plants, decorations and art.  One of my favorite items in the front yard is an old door which has been cleverly converted into a plant holder. 

            Walking through the gate which leads to the backyard is like being on a magical journey.  Again this year, as I did last year, I found myself walking around the yard several times.  Each time around the yard brought something different to my attention.  The yard is breathtaking!  There is everything from angel statues to wagon wheels, fountains, pottery and unique bird houses (built by Joni’s husband Ben).  There are flowers of every kind.  Joni told us there are over four hundred flower pots in her yard.  She has every kind of flower in her yard, shade-loving or sun-loving depending on their location, each one showing off their beautiful foliage and colour.

            Everyday items have been re-purposed into planters and decorations.  Joni has taken freezer baskets and turned them into beautiful handing plant containers.   There are mirrors and paintings throughout her yard.  Trunks are filled with plants or pottery and sit among the plants.   The cheerful paintings blend in so well that they become part of the landscape.  There are several ceramic sun faces watching over the property.  An over one hundred-year old tree whose branches cover the entire back yard lets in sunlight at various locations and intervals during the day.  At the base of the tree, Joni has gathered and arranged a collection of white pottery and statues.  Several paintings are hung on the tree trunk, reminding us once again that artwork is not only for the walls of your house. 

          When you are enjoying the beauty of this wonderful place, it is hard to believe you are only half-a-block from a busy city street.  From the moment you arrive until you leave, there is a smile on your face.  This is truly a little piece of paradise. Spaces that are good for your soul . . . it's a good thing!