The Healing Garden   

Published Spring "06 (OVIS)                       
Ozona Village Improvement Society

          Nestled beneath majestic oaks lies a healing garden, a quiet sanctuary in the midst of bustling downtown Ozona. The garden located at The Conscious Connection behind 304 and 306 Orange St., was a graveled service road when Bill and Anna Sweetnam took ownership of the property in December 2003. The big oaks still bear scars from delivery trucks zipping through and unsettling the space.  

The Sweetnams have a special connection to the  property. In the early 90’s they purchased the property as an investment for college tuitions for their five daughters. They later sold it in the mid 90’s. Over the years the Sweetnams always had their eye on the property.  Bill who regularly uses the post office to get his mail announced, “There’s a new restaurant in our building”.  Affectionately still calling it “our building” all those years, they purchased the property again when the opportunity presented itself. 

 Significant changes and upgrades were made to the property, and with a bit of a green thumb, the garden is back to much of its original look and natural charm.  Since then, many animals and indigenous plants have returned to the land. There is always life and movement throughout the day in the garden. Symbolically, the garden represents life and new beginnings. A Bougainvillea which was once dormant has returned with vibrant purple flowers. Special attention was given to the old oaks on the property which house many of the gardens tenants. A fountain has been created from many of the large rocks found around the property as well as a few donated ones.  Many birds and animals can be seen throughout the day playing and dipping into the water.  A special ambiance is apparent during the Yoga classes that would be hard to duplicate anywhere since we have seen armadillos, snakes, red foxes and a raccoon.  

 The garden, though not very big, is filled with many interesting elements including healing activities. A bench has been constructed around the old oak for visitors to sit and rest or meditate. You may even see some artists in the garden with their easels and paints retreating from everyday life. Symbolically, the garden offers a burning bowl used for burning personal affirmations with their intention for the Universe to comply. Other activities include the bowling ball game “Whack It Out”, Creative Visualization station, and let’s not forget the life size Zen garden.  

By now you may be at least intrigued to come visit the garden. We hope you stop by and see the beauty that has been reawakened in the Healing Garden. Symbolically speaking, those who come to see will see.   

Published Spring "06 (OVIS)                        Ozona Village Improvement Society