Gardens of Hope
A garden growing in support of others needing respite and hope
The Gardens of Hope Respite Cottage
In 2004, a vision was created to form The Country Gardens Foundation of Hope, Inc. large part of its vision is to build a “Respite Cottage” within the Gardens of Hope located in New Glasgow, PEI. These spacious 12 acre gardens were created for Islanders and visitors alike to enjoy the natural beauty of Prince Edward Island. An old Catholic Chapel called St. Joseph's , located at the entrance to the National Park in Cavendish, was moved to its present location within the Gardens of Hope.
The Purpose of The Respite Cottage
Our hope and prayer is that the garden setting of the Respite Cottage will allow those who visit or stay to be ministered to by nature's beauty.
The cottage provides a warm and comfortable environment. It is a space designed for peace and tranquility.
Who Can Use The Cottage?
Individuals who are diagnosed with a life-threatening illness and are well enough to travel are welcome to stay at The Cottage for up to one week.
Caregivers and those ministering to others who themselves are experiencing compassion fatigue.
Non-Profit human service organizations for small gatherings or meetings.
Facilities
Gathering Around the Fireplace
View of the Kitchen from Loft Bedroom
Dining Room
Quilted Comforts
The Cottage is wheelchair accessible.
The Cottage is able to sleep 6-7 individuals comfortably.
Two washrooms; one fully wheelchair accessible.
Fireplace, Open Kitchen, Decks.
Dishes and bedding provided.
When Is the Cottage Available?
The Cottage is available year round.
Please make your inquiries here: bruce@preservecompany.com or shirley@preservecompany.com
Thank you for your interest.
A Summer Stroll
Take a Visual Stroll Through The Gardens of Hope, photography by Katherine MacLaine.
A Winter's Walk
Do you dread winter? To be honest, sometimes I do. The cold temperatures, the shovelling, the storms, the treacherous driving. I could go on. Do you know what though? Over the last couple of years, something in me has started changing. My dread is melting into appreciation. My life is quite busy in the spring, summer, and fall. When the snow comes, the busyness subsides. Like nature, I have a few months to hibernate. To slow down, to rest, to dream, to plan for the next season. Winter has become a gift for my family and I. We get to reconnect, explore, sip tea by the fireplace. I love the hustle of the summer and the beauty it brings. But there is something incredibly profound about moving with nature's pace. Of course, there's no pause button in life, but winter is an invitation for me to smell the roses (figuratively of course, as all of our rose bushes are buried in snow!). As I've adopted this slower pace of life ushered in with the snow, I've began to see the beauty of winter in nature. The other morning I woke early and was enjoying a steaming pot of tea. I glanced out our kitchen window and saw one of the most stunning sunrises. It was so simple, but so life giving.
Many of you've experience Prince Edward Island in the summer and fall. It's gorgeous, right?! PEI tends to get a bad rep in the winter months, but let me tell you it's all rubbish. Our Island is a whimsical place even when it's buried in 10 feet of snow! I mean, just look at this view from just behind our restaurant over looking River Clyde.
A few weeks ago, after a snowfall, our talented graphic designer, Katherine, wandered around The Gardens of Hope captured these stunning winter photos!
Maybe you live in a place that never sees snow or maybe you live in a place that sees more snow than you'd care to mention. Whatever your experience, I hope you can embrace the beauty each season graces us with!
“Winter is the time for comfort, for good food and warmth, for the touch of a friendly hand and for a talk beside the fire: it is the time for home.” Edith Sitwell
