Page 34 - Jeffersonville Journal Visitors Guide

HESTIA’S GARDEN
A Place to Nurture e Soul
Looking for a relaxing afternoon to saunter wandering paths in a meadow, sip a cool glass of herbal–infused water, or sit by the pond and listen to a waterfall? Maybe you are looking for that plant that would spice up your landscape. Or do you like to wander off the beaten path and find an old barn where you can browse for whimsical and vintage items? If so, it is time to head to Hestia’s Garden. The gardens are located at 914 Buck Brook Road just off County Road 95 one mile outside of North Branch, NY going towards Obernburg. Before you turn onto Buck Brook you will see an old cedar fence and as you turn right onto Buck Brook within 300 feet you will find yourself next to an 1840 Greek Revival house with a white picket fence. You’ve arrived at Hestia’s Garden and the home of its owner Darlene Midlang.
began. Berms with native plants were started, an orchard created, cascading river rock steps and stone walls installed , a circular mandala garden full of vegetables and fresh herbs planted, and paths emerged that lead through the meadow.
The garden’s namesake is Hestia, the Greek Goddess of hearth and home. In the stories of old, she provided a place of rest and relaxation. She was not known for what she did but for what she offered –a quiet space. Hestia was a resting place for the individual, for the community and for the larger world. Darlene laughs, when she describes the impetus for the name, “Yes, it probably does sound a little esoteric, but in our very hurried lives and with so much happening in the world around us, the gardens are designed to enjoy “being”, to be a reminder to stop, breath and take time to just celebrate our lives and the world around us.” She went on to say, “The greatest joy in my day is when someone pulls their car over and tells me how the gardens make them feel ‘happy’, ‘warm’, ‘content’. They are surprised when I tell them that they are welcome to come by on the weekend when the gardens are open to the public, and they are free to wander the space.”
With the guidance of Sullivan County’s Soil and Water Conservation and in cooperation with the North Branch Fire Department the old Leshorn Pond on the far end of the property was renovated. The pond has served as a steadfast water supply to protect the houses in the township. But by 2012 the pond’s sediment and the invasion of beavers had threatened to make the pond unusable. Renovation began. The pond was enlarged and deepened. Today it continues to provide water for the fire department and an improved habitat for wildlife.
It was a winter’s day in 2010, with the snow piled high on the 8 acres of weedy, unused pasture that the dream of Hestia’s Garden started to take shape. Darlene dreamed of turning her underutilized field into a garden park that would feed the body and nurture the soul. Over the next five years the transformation
In 2015, Sullivan County’s Department of Planning and Environmental Development offered business planning sessions and microloans to some of the class participants. Hestia’s Garden benefited from both. As a result of their support the work expanded and a small Hestia’s Garden shop was opened on weekends beginning in May. One corner of this turn-of-the- century barn, became the summer home for this growing
32 Jeffersonville Journal • 2016-2017
Darlene reflected on what has happened over the past five years, saying, “I may have had the inspiration for creating Hestia’s Garden, but it has become a labor of love through the local artisans, friends, family and neighbors whom have given their time and talent. Some neighbors came by and volunteered to stock the pond and other neighbors offered a favorite plant. Family and friends-- from as far away as Florida, North Dakota, and Minnesota -- have come and spent hours bringing out the best of what the landscape has to offer. The efforts enhance the already natural beauty of this valley surrounded by the Catskill foothills. Last year Cornell Cooperative Extension’s Master Gardener volunteers gave generously of their time by helping prepare gardens for a SullivanArc Garden Tour to benefit those with disabilities in Sullivan County.”