A Giving Place
Lavender is known around the world as a symbol for tranquility and healing. The plant’s medicinal properties have been used for centuries to remedy digestion, headaches and soothe the nervous system. Its calming aroma promotes relaxation and can even help with sleep. I’ve always thought lavender to be one of the prettiest plants with its varying shades of purple flowers and sage-coloured leaves. It had once been a dream of mine to walk through a field of lavender, to be amongst the hummingbirds and honey bees pollinating in harmony. That dream came true when my mom and I visited The Giving Place.
An eight-acre property in Mt. Albert, Ontario, The Giving Place is not only a lavender farm, but a peaceful escape from the bustling city life. In addition to their lavender, the family-owned business operates The Giving Garden of which all vegetables are donated to local food banks, as well as a rescue sanctuary for bunnies, goats, sheep and chickens. And yes, you can feed the animals during your visit. Patrons are invited to explore the farm at their leisure. The owner, Leanne, gave us two heart-shaped ornaments to hang somewhere on the property that made us feel good. We hung ours near the goats, but I could have used a dozen more hearts as every inch of this land filled me with joy.
The Old Barbed Wire Trail, a narrow, winding path carved into the dense forest, leads you to the Quiet Place, a secret hideaway for you and your dreams to sit and reflect in peace. At the edge of the forest, you’ll find the Garden of Eden, home to funky-looking birdhouses, a mosaic of stepping stones, and plenty of fresh herbs. Passed the Hazelnut Acre and around the ducky pond, you’ll reach the place where the angels gather. You’re invited to step inside the gazebo and stay a while. Share your secrets with the stone angels that live there. If you listen hard enough, you just might hear their answers. We spent the whole afternoon enjoying the tranquility of this magical place, appreciating the little moments of whimsy it had to offer. I spotted a total of 6 fairy doors, each painted a different color, nestled in the trunks of trees. I’m sure there were more that I missed. Fairies can be sneaky that way.
On the way home, I started wondering… what is a “giving place”? It would mean something different to everyone. To me, it is anywhere nature is allowed to thrive. The earth gives in abundance. All we must do in return is be grateful enough to accept it. As humans, we have a symbiotic relationship with nature. In order to reap the benefits that the land has to offer, we must first take care of the land. Nature does not respond well to greed. You don’t have to be an environmentalist or even have a green thumb to be a part of this relationship, but you do have to be respectful of the earth and its needs.
A giving place is somewhere you can commune with nature, where you can learn about and understand the world around you.
A giving place is also for the dreamers. Somewhere that inspires, where you can draw upon the surrounding landscape and bring imagination forth.
A giving place is for the broken. Somewhere you feel safe, where you can find respite and begin to heal.
A giving place is for the lost. Somewhere you can retreat and collect your thoughts, where clarity can be achieved amongst the quiet and the trees.
A giving place is for community. Somewhere to congregate in good faith and feel the bonds of friendship, where you feel welcome and reminded that you are never alone.
As we drove home, with a new baby lavender plant in the backseat, I took one final look at the enchanted purple ocean, not ready to let go. Who is to say we can’t stay here? In this softness where we relish our existence through simple pleasures. A giving place is a state of mind. A reminder to lean towards the sun; linger a little while longer. We are welcome here.
