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Explore: Garden of Healing & Renewal, McLaren Clarkston
(Crystal A. Proxmire, Aug. 19, 2018)
Clarkston, MI – McLaren Clarkston has an enchanting bit of nature mixed with man-made comforts inside their Garden of Healing and Renewal, which is located across from the hospital at Sashabaw Road and Bow Pointe Drive.
The flowery landscaping around the entrance way is just a taste of what’s inside.
Several short paths take visitors to nooks and crannies lined by plants and accented with artwork.
There is a sculpture series that captures the life cycle of a Monarch, faces carved in wood, and giant metal dragonflies in the trees along a bridge over a creek through a tiny patch of woods.  One area is designated as a “sound garden,” complete with comfy benches to listen to the sounds of birds and wind chimes.
There are places to sit and relax, and a quarter-mile long walking path though trees and wetland area. Over 100 species of plants grow in the Garden of Healing & Renewal.  There are over 20 types of trees, which include magnolia, dogwood, maple, birch, Katsura, and Shagbark Hickory.
And there is a labyrinth, which is a circular pattern of bricks that people can follow to “encourage both exercise and curative reflection.”
Throughout the park there were painted rocks left hidden for others to find and re-hide.
McLaren Oakland calls this charming place the Garden of Healing and Renewal, and their website calls it “Serious medicine to kick cancer. Serious healing for body and spirit.”  Visitors are welcome.  Learn more at: McLaren Website.
For other places to explore in Oakland County and beyond check out our EXPLORE! Section!