Wellness Event

by Janet Trull

Make yourself a priority this summer, and plan to attend the Wellness Event at Abbey Gardens on July 12, 11am to 5pm. 

Situated on Highway 118 near the village of West Guilford, Abbey Gardens is a special acreage where you will discover a magical transformation. Once a gravel pit, the property now thrives with the best nature has to offer. It’s the perfect setting for a day of relaxation and rejuvenation. 

Once you discover Abbey Gardens, you will find that every visit is unique. My circuit includes a walk around a shady trail called the Back Forty Shorty, a stroll past the quiet pond in front of Brooksong Cancer Retreat, and a visit with the Ojibwe horses. Then I wander back through the prairie grasses, see what’s blooming in the gardens, and pick up a loaf of sourdough bread before heading home. 

Saturday, July 12 is a special event devoted to well-being. The day starts at 11 am with a drum circle led by Barry Hayward. Drumming offers a multitude of wellness benefits, reducing stress, anxiety, and depression while promoting relaxation and improving focus and cognitive function. Barry makes i fun for experts and beginners. The day continues with tai qi and qi gong (by Ko Martial Arts), Hydrotherapy (with Tamra), and yoga (with Kearah). There's an options for pony Time too, if you want to connect with Maple, Flapjack and Sammy.

Your wellness day will give you an opportunity to make plans for future visits. When my grandchildren come to visit, they fill their pockets with quarters. There's a gumball dispenser with chicken feed and they love to watch the chickens and ducks scramble for treats. Then it's the frog pond, the mud kitchen and the Enchanted Forest. The older cousins appreciate the disc golf course, probably one of the most challenging in Ontario. Lunch? Your choice of Into the Blue Woodfired Pizza at the onsite pizza truck or sandwiches and specialty drinks in the Food Hub.

Abbey Gardens is a destination for every season. Pumpkins in the fall, and tobogganing and snow-shoeing in winter. Check the website regularly for special events for kids and adults all year round.

Tickets are by donation. Bring a friend or family member!

Register here