ST&BF at the Christopher Farm & Gardens (2022)!

You are invited to share your photos from our scheduled and "POP UP" visits to the Christopher Farm & Gardens!

VISIT DATES: 2/17, 4/19, 4/26, 4/29, 5/17, 7/19, 8/30, 10/24!

MOST RECENT PHOTOS ARE FROM OUR OCTOBER 24th HALLOWEEN FUN FEST VISIT!

STBF at CFG 2022!

VISIG DATE: October 24, 2022

The usual beauty of the CF&G... and MORE!

About 40 patients/survivors and co-survivors enjoyed the usual beauty of the CF&G along with some "Halloween Fun Fest" carnival games!

Photo Submitted by Tim Renzelmann

VISIT DATE: October 24, 2022

Autumn's Glory

Enjoying the fall colors at CF&G.

Photo Submitted by Sharon Pentek

VISIT DATE: October 24, 2022

October Color

The trees were ablaze on our October visit to CF&G. No matter which direction I looked, the Autumn colors were spectacular!

Photo Submitted by Mary Schueller

VISIT DATE: October 24, 2022

All Things Pink

Pink is everywhere during Breast Cancer Awareness Month and CF&G is no exception.  This gorgeous, delicate flower reminded me of all the beautiful women I know who have been diagnosed with breast cancer.

Photo Submitted by Mary Schueller


VISIT DATE: October 24, 2022

Pig in the Trees

While the black pig looks rather mundane in this photo, the trees are extraordinarily spectacular!

Photo Submitted by Mary Schueller

VISIT DATE: October 24, 2022

Magestic

Not only is this warrior statue magestic......but also the trees in the background!

Photo Submitted by Mary Schueller

VISIT DAT: October 24, 2022

"Bob the Builder's" Halloween PLINKO Game!

Leave it to "Bob the Builder" Hartig to come up with this great carnival game!

Photo Submitted by Tim Renzelmann

VISIT DATE: October 24, 2022

Kathy's "Boney Hand Pumpkin Toss"

Kathy Burch brought some skeleton hands and challenged participants to use them to toss candy pumpkins in the targets!

Photo Submitted by Tim Renzelmann

VISIT DATE: October 24, 2022

Sue & John's "Pin the Nose on the Jack-o-Lantern"!

A blindfolded Candy M does her best to "Pin the Nose on the Jack-o-Lantern"!

Photo Submitted by Tim Renzelmann

VISIT DATE: October 24, 2022

Mary's Halloween Word Scramble!

Mary Schueller put a Halloween-themed word scramble together for some fun with words!

Photo Submitted by Tim Renzelmann

VISIT DATE: October 24, 2022

Bob the Builder's Rubber Band-Shooting Gun Gallery

Windy conditions forced us to move the shooting gallery inside the conservatory!

Photos Submitted by Tim Renzelmann

VISIT DATE: October 24, 2022

A Bonding Bonfire!

After folks "Wandered the Wonderful Gardens" and enjoyed some carnival games... it was time for some Hot Dogs, S'mores, and good conversation!

Photo Submitted by Tim Renzelmann

VISIT DATE: October 24, 2022

Fall's Early Setting Sun!

Although most of us weren't ready to leave... nightfall brought our time together to a close!

Photo Submitted by Tim Renzelmann

Visit Date: August 30, 2022

Fun & Games Amidst the Peace & Serenity of CF&G!

Play is made even better here!

Photo Submitted by Mary Schueller

Visit Date: August 30, 2022

A Perfect Gathering Spot!

Outdoor fireplace to roast hot dogs and s'mores near the Conservetory!

Photo Submitted by Tim Renzelmann

Visit Date: August 30, 2022

Another Perfect Spot - for Qigong!

This is the absolute perfect setting for Qigong!  In addition to the visual beauty of this perfectly manicured Asian Water Garden is the sound of the flowing water of the koi pond, the sound of the gentle waterfall, and the sound of wind-blown chimes!

Photo Submitted by Tim Renzelmann

VISIT DATE: July 19, 2022

Tic-Tac-Toe Anyone?

Photo Submitted by Linda Ansay

VISIT DATE: July 19, 2022

Wanna go for a ride?

Photo Submitted by Linda Ansay

VISIT DATE: July 19, 2022

Not sure what this plant is called but I thought it looked pretty cool!

Photo Submitted by Linda Ansay

VISIT DATE: May 17, 2022

We Always Feel Welcome!

Thanks to the welcoming staff of the Christopher Farm & Gardens!

Photo Submitted by Tim E. Renzelmann

VISIT DATE: May 17, 2022

The Colors of Spring

A brilliant blue sky, green branches, and this colorful bird. greeted us on our May 17th visit.

Photo Submitted by Mary Schueller

VISIT DATE: May 17, 2022

Let Them Come to Me

Sometimes birds can be a nuisance. But on this particular visit to the gardens, I felt exactly like this girl --- bring 'em on!

Photo  Submitted by Mary Schueller

VISIT DATE: May 17, 2022

Turtle & Tulips

The contrast between the "dull" turtle and the vibrant tulips was striking on this beautiful Spring day!

Submitted by Mary Schueller

VISIT DATE: May 17, 2022

One of my many favorite areas on this expansive property are the trails around the west pond, ampitheater, Conifer Specimen Garden, Renaissance Rose Garden, and near the Dairlyand Express ¼-mile railroad track. The cool breeze off the lake on this night made it especially warm and appealing. As I looked across the west pond, these white flowering trees and bushes along the east shore caught my attention.

Photo Submitted by Tim E. Renzelmann

VISIT DATE: May 17, 2022

As I continued to wander, I made my way to the Renaissance Rose Garden. It may have been too early for the roses to begin to bloom... but the white flowering trees created a beautiful backdrop for the “goddesses of the four seasons.” The CF&G website states, “Though they seem lifeless, we know they are hard at work here on the farm when no one watches, performing their magic ritual called the cycle of life.”

Photo Submitted by Tim E. Renzelmann

VISIT DATE: May 17, 2022

I turned again only to see the contrast of these white flowering trees against the evergreens and the blue sky.

Photo Submitted by Tim E. Renzelmann

VISIT DATE: May 17, 2022

Admittedly, I don’t know much about nature. I can barely tell the difference between an oak tree and a maple tree (especially without its leaves). So I reached out to Erika (from CF&G) who informed me that this particular tree is a flowering ornamental pear tree (that does not produce fruit).

Although not knowing much about nature doesn’t prevent me from appreciating and enjoying nature, the more time I spend at this amazing location (and with the knowledgeable and dedicated CF&G staff) the more I want to learn about nature... which will surely allow me to enjoy and appreciate it even more.

Photo Submitted by Tim E. Renzelmann

VISIT DATE: May 17, 2022

After “Wandering the Wonderful Gardens” and some “Qigong for Cancer Survivors” at the Council Ring, a few of us stuck around on this cool spring evening, warmed by a “Bonding Bonfire,” to enjoy our usual delicacy (hot dogs and s’mores) and good conversation!

Photo Submitted by Tim E. Renzelmann

VISIT DATE: April 29, 2022

Earth Day Restoration Project: Rob and Tiffany demonstrate how to successfully plant a potted tree.

Photo submitted by Tim E. Renzelmann

VISIT DATE: April 29, 2022

Earth Day Restoration Project: Erika explains the importance of understanding the water table when deciding what and where to plant.

Photo submitted by Tim E. Renzelmann

VISIT DATE: April 29, 2022

Earth Day Restoration Project: Rob identifies one of the many trees that we planted during last year’s “Restoration Day” that survived their first winter!

Photo submitted by Tim E. Renzelmann

VISIT DATE: April 29, 2022

Earth Day Restoration Project: Colleen and Jane work together on a chilly but sunny day.

Photo submitted by Tim E. Renzelmann

VISIT DATE: April 29, 2022

Earth Day Restoration Project: Dan, Candy, and Diane successfully plant another tree!

Photo submitted by Tim E. Renzelmann

VISIT DATE: April 29, 2022

Earth Day Restoration Project: Many hands make for light work.” We cleared this large section of land of invasive Honeysuckle quickly

Photo submitted by Tim E. Renzelmann

VISIT DATE: April 27, 2022

Learning from Rob

This group of survivors provided wonderful service to celebrate Earth Day. When I saw them listening intently to every word that Rob was saying, I couldn't help but think how much they each were personally benefiting by learning from him.

Submitted by Mary Schueller

VISIT DATE: April 19, 2022

We "Wandered the Wonderful Gardens," practiced some "Qigong for Cancer Survivors" and now it's time for a "Bonding Bonfire"!

Photo Submitted by Tim E. Renzelmann

VISIT DATE: April 19, 2022

Cardinal Lookout

On this April 19th visit, it was easy to spot the cardinals because the trees were not in bloom yet.

Photo Submitted by Mary Schueller

VISIT DATE: February 17, 2022

It's the perfect spot!  A warming fire and trees to block the wind!

Photo Submitted by Tim E. Renzelmann

VISIT DATE: February 17, 2022

Happy Birthday to Erika from ALL OF US!

Photo Submitted by Mary Schueller

VISIT DATE: February 17, 2022

Barely Hanging On

It's so disappointing to see the effects of erosion along the shores of Lake Michigan. As I was walking around on this particular Winter day, I couldn't help but ponder "what will this place look like for future generations?"

Photo Submitted by Mary Schueller

VISIT DATE: February 17, 2022

Cold Feet

Icy walk across the pond....but always worth it to get fed!

Photo Submitted by Mary Schueller

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