''The Quiet Garden'' VA Meditation Garden

By Chapman Manzer and Sibyl Cannan

In the bluestone gaming areas plantings were installed, various sized boulders were placed, ornamental grasses along with assortment of annuals were planted then mulch was laid down. Photos courtesy of Chapman Manzer

The Montrose, New York Campus of the Veterans Administration Hudson Valley Health Care System is the site of a newly created Meditation Garden. The VA Meditation Garden is a joint charitable venture between Manzer's Landscape Design & Development, Inc. of Peekskill, New York, and The Rotary Club of Peekskill.

Working over three months on the project was a labor of love for Chapman Manzer, president, site designer and Peekskill Rotarian, who enlisted the support from fellow rotary members, Keith Bobolia of Home Mason Supply, Tommy Kuck of Whispering Pines Nursery and Peekskill Rotary President, Bruce Prehal, himself a veteran, who was the inspiration for the project, says Manzer. ''If not for the hard work from all the rotary volunteers, this project would not have come to fruition. Bruce approached me and asked me if I would be interested in doing a garden for the troops at the VA and I agreed.''

Random pattern bluestone and irregular blue stones were used for the pathways. Verities of plants were planted and brown mulch was laid out for the finishing touches.

Smaller Meditation Areas

The Meditation Garden was created inside a fenced-in area where a raised garden bed already existed. The area was being used by the staff at the VA for the troops returning from Iraq and Afghanistan with post-traumatic stress syndrome. We designed the garden with the vision of creating smaller meditation areas within the larger garden area. There are five bluestone patio areas for card tables and benches for meditation, as well as a large raised bed for a vegetable garden. There are also planting pockets, which will provide color all year long, and screening to block out noise from the nearby air conditioning units.

A Bobcat was used to place the big boulder, then ornamental grasses and mulch were placed around it. A commemorative plaque will be installed on the boulder at the upcoming dedication ceremony.

Significant Accomplishment

''We were looking to bring a sense of calm peacefulness to the space, so that our soldiers could feel the calm that healing brings. They have sacrificed so much of their lives, that this was our way of thanking them for their selflessness and courage.''

Manzer's fellow Rotarians also appreciated what their hard work meant to the returning vets by committing $5,000 in local club funds. Bruce Prehal, who spearheaded the project, believes this was his most significant accomplishment during his Rotary presidential year. He says: ''This was a labor of love by everyone who gave lots of hours of sweat equity and committed to making an idea real.'' Significantly, the garden was dedicated on Veteran's Day, November 11, 2010.