PONTIAC, Ill. — A garden is a magical place. It offers a natural escape from the stresses of daily life, encouraging mindfulness, movement, and a deep connection to the earth. In every leaf, bloom, and harvest, the garden reminds us to slow down, breathe, and embrace the healing power of nature.
Connect with nature and appreciate the beauty of a local historical garden and home at the Petals and Poses workshop led by the University of Illinois Extension Livingston County Master Gardeners on Saturday, July 19, at the Catherine V. Yost House Museum in Pontiac, Illinois.
At 11 a.m., join us for an outdoor yoga session on the serene back lawn of the Yost House. Surrounded by the gentle flow of the Vermillion River and the peaceful rhythm of nature, we will move through grounding and heart-opening postures suitable for both beginners and seasoned practitioners. Together, we will awaken our senses, breathe deeply, and cultivate a mindful connection between body, mind, and spirit—all in harmony with the beauty around us. Come as you are and let nature be your guide. Some nature-inspired poses may include tree pose, cat/cow, half-moon, sun salutations, down dog, and pigeon. Cool down after your yoga with a short self-guided tour of the gardens.
At 1 p.m., take a stroll through the Yost House gardens for a sensory walk led by Master Gardeners. Step back in time and take in all that the historic gardens have to offer. Participants will connect deeper with the garden through this walk, which will stimulate their senses with fresh herbal scents, natural sounds, and beautiful blooms! Make a lavender sachet and a dried flower bookmark after the walk.
Light refreshments and sensory garden crafts will be available on the lawn throughout the event. Step inside for a tour of the Historic Yost House from noon to 3 p.m. The workshop is on Saturday, July 19, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Catherine V. Yost House Museum (298 W. Water Street, Pontiac, IL 61764). Attend both programs or register for either yoga or the garden sensory walk! Register at go.illinois.edu/LMW/events or call the McLean County Extension office at (815) 842-1776.
University of Illinois Extension develops educational programs, extends knowledge, and builds partnerships to support people, communities, and their environments as part of the state's land-grant institution. Extension serves as the leading public outreach effort for University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences in all 102 Illinois counties through a network of 27 multi-county units and over 700 staff statewide. Extension’s mission is responsive to eight strategic priorities — community, economy, environment, food and agriculture, health, partnerships, technology and discovery, and workforce excellence — that are served through six program areas — 4-H youth development, agriculture and agribusiness, community and economic development, family and consumer science, integrated health disparities, and natural resources, environment, and energy.