Healing garden

Since last time I shared some of Kharkiv's most famous sights with you, here's a little hidden corner in our current city. It's probably not in any of the guidebooks; we came across it completely by chance on a long walk last October.

This is the Min Zidell Healing Garden, a 12,000 square foot garden boasting more than 500 plants. Below are the words inscribed at the gates of the garden:

Dedicated to all those who come here to heal, to learn, to grow.

It is the hope of the Zidell family that this garden will be a garden for all seasons... 

...that its medicinal herbs, art, and labyrinth will nurture and inspire present and future generations of naturopathic and classical Chinese medicine students, their teachers, their patients and their neighbors.

This garden will forever speak the ageless story of growth, renewal, and abundance.

If you're ever in South Portland, stop by this little oasis on the National College of Natural Medicine campus. It's a nice break from all the food carts and trendy Pearl District clothing shops and circling the block nine times for a good parking spot.  

“A garden to walk in and immensity to dream in--what more could he ask? A few flowers at his feet and above him the stars.”

― Victor Hugo, Les Misérables