Humboldt Memorial Garden Grows Peace
Subscribe Now!An unassuming brick walkway meanders through a lawn of rose of Sharon bushes, fragrant beds of lilacs, flowering hyacinth bean vines and a sea of other vibrant annuals and perennials. The breeze blows along, spreading petals, only adding to the calming effect of the Southeast Nebraska Cancer Memorial Garden.
For years, the space tucked along First Street in Humboldt was a sunken lot with a small stream running through it. It was easy to pass by and provided little in the way of a haven for guests or pollinators. A simple idea, courtesy of an area resident, changed that notion and gave new life to the area.
The vision of this enchanted garden came to garden founder and designer Jan Wilhelm in October 2016. She started work on her own in her spare time, beginning by mapping out her vision. The garden quickly took root. As a child, Wilhelm’s grandfather maintained the local town park. He built a bridge, a stone water fountain and a running water wheel for visitors to enjoy. One could say planning something of this flora-focused variety was in her blood.
Removed on the northwest edge of the park, secluded from the usual hustle-and-bustle of outdoor explorers, the garden held extra charm for its founder. Drawing again from experience learned via her grandfather, Wilhelm knew just what to do with the unused space.
“I knew that it would be the perfect location to honor cancer survivors and my husband’s son who lost his battle to cancer,” Wilhelm said.
Unfortunately, this is when Wilhelm’s plans took a pause. She tucked away her plans, she said, and forgot about it for what seemed like forever.
“But then on a Saturday morning, Jan. 14 of 2017, I was awakened by a voice I’d never heard before telling me to, ‘Get up, start the garden today,’ ” Wilhelm said.
It was then, or never.
Barriers that had previously stood in her way fell to the side. She made a few phone calls, assembled a team and got approval from the city council to begin work. Wilhelm’s vision came to life quickly, and it was bigger and better than members of the garden club could have hoped.
“When Jan showed me the area that she had in mind, I realized that this was basically a whole park, not just one flower bed,” said Sally Stalder, the garden club’s treasurer.
With an official location, and a douse of inspiration, Wilhelm, club president Lois Luthy and club members set to work. The garden they created together serves as a welcoming haven for all those in need of peace. Guests are immediately greeted by an arbor to walk under as they arrive. This experience is followed closely by sights of a heart-shaped breast cancer flower bed, complete with a bronze statue.
Large sitting stones were placed throughout the area, making for perfect rest stops. And bountiful flowers beds, representative of all different types of cancer, burst with varieties of annuals, perennials, vines, roses, bushes and grasses of different textures.
Finally, a paver sidewalk, in the shape of a cancer ribbon, encircles a 34-foot open octagonal pergola with wisteria vines growing up the sides. Swings and benches pair alongside a fountain in the middle of the garden and a small memorial of engraved bricks near the pergola seeks to remember those touched by cancer.
For Lincoln resident Shari Vesuck, the garden is a safe place for her to visit. After losing her father to a brutal battle with cancer, she frequents the space with her mother.
“It really provides you with a sense of peace and understanding and a knowing that you’re not alone,” Vesuck said.
The garden is open to the general public, with solar lights that come on at night for those wanting to visit during the evening. The most recent addition of a fairy house has delighted guests of all ages.
“One thing that really amazes me is that everything laid out just like my vision saw it,” said Wilhelm. “My husband works in the garden all the time and does all the mowing. It’s one thing he can still do for his son.”
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