More often than not, we all need a break. A break from pressing tasks and bustling lives.
Mine came unexpectedly at a hidden sanctuary tucked behind the gates of a former U.S. Army
Reserve Armory called Oases Garden.
I was recently introduced to this place through a summer internship at Shirley Heinze Land
Trust.
Due to a mix-up in arrival times, I accidentally arrived about 30 minutes early and I’m glad I did.
I was greeted with open arms and bright smiles from the garden facilitator, Carmen Mckee,
a hospital Chaplain by profession.
After I explained the mix-up, she immediately offered to give me a VIP tour of the garden.
As she led me around rows of red carnations, black petunias, and purple lavender, something
caught my eye.
The assortment of benches, swings, and pavilions in the midst of the Oases.
Meticulously placed to view the garden in all its glory, but also to invite friends and families to
take a moment to slow their lives down enough to enjoy it.
“The garden is meant to replenish people and give them a chance to sit, be, and find themselves,”
Mckee said.
The further I toured the garden, the more she revealed that each part has a theme.
She first escorted me to the gorgeous double knockout roses. Yes, that’s what they are called.
“They make the most perfect infused teas and rose water,” Mckee said.Then I was brought to the orchard full of delicious white and red raspberry bushes, banana trees
and, surprisingly, garlic that you can take home or eat on the spot. I cooked tacos with the garlic;
it was incredible.
Next, I was escorted to the medicinal portion of the garden that aids with respiratory, antiseptic
and immune support through plants and herbs.
Plants like oregano, which Mckee says
“It’s trending for health reasons,everyone’s doing oregano,” Mckee said.
And finally, the culinary portion of the Oases, brimming with white and purple lavender, basil,
mint and so much more, free to smell and savor.
So if you ever need to take a moment to savor life or relax, I highly encourage you to visit Oases
Gardens, which is located at 3510 W 15th Ave, Gary, IN 46404 open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Monday through Friday.
A place that offered me a moment to sit and listen to the birds chirp and the wind barreling
through bushes of white raspberry and fresh lavender. A sanctuary to simply be at peace and
smell the roses.
