When the voices of children are heard on the green,
And laughing is heard on the hill,
My heart is at rest within my breast,
And everything else is still.
-William Blake

Built in honor of eight-year-old Ryan Bertini, who passed away November 2, 2005, the garden uses a broken circle as a symbol of hope and steadfastness. The circle, the universal symbol for "Spirit" invites the user to enter and connect with the restorative qualities of the natural world. Although it is an intimate space comfortable for one or two visitors, the design allows enough room for a small group to enjoy the space as well.

The unique stones that form the inner circle of the garden were imported from the Owen Sound region of Ontario, Canada, Ryan's favorite summer vacation spot. Engravings of Ryan’s distinct hand prints are found on the stepping stones in the lawn.

The varieties of flowers, shrubs, trees and other plants are linked to events in Ryan's life, feature his favorite colors, and will provide blossoms from early spring until the first frost. With a profusion of bulbs blooming in April, Ryan’s birth month, and a soft enclosure of plants around the circle, the garden is intended to both comfort the grieving and celebrate life. Musclewood trees depict strength and Silverbell trees represent optimism.

The water feature provides an element of focus and clarity in the form of a waterfall that flows gently into a pool of river rock. It serves as a touchstone to the natural world, as well as the spiritual. The constant tumble of the waterfall soothes away all other sounds as one relaxes on one of the curved benches.

The Ryan Bertini Memorial Meditation Garden is intended as a setting for meditation and reflection and is a special place to celebrate and remember Ryan.