Katrina Boguski
Freelance
Killaloe – This past weekend Annette Thistlethwaite hosted a unique event in support of the work done by Madawaska Valley Hospice Palliative Care. The event, held Saturday from 10 until 4 and Sunday from 10 until 3, demonstrated not only the enthusiasm people have for the work of the local hospice, but also the creative genius and diligence of the multitalented Thistlethwaite.
Called “Quilts in the Garden”, the weekend gave visitors the chance to see and purchases some of the dozens of quilts Thistlethwaite has created over the past few decades. The pieces ranged in size from small designs intended to be hung on a wall, to large quilts for king-size beds. Affixed to many of the works were notes explaining more about the design or the work that went into it.
A work called “Botanical Sketchbook”. The piece was 32” X44” and was of particular interest to some of the gardening enthusiasts in attendance. Thistlethwaite’s note on this piece said, “This is my favourite piece out of all the wool applique I have done. I hand dyed the wool, hand appliqued and embroidered. A joy to make. ” The note went on to say that the pattern for this piece came from Linen Closet Design.
The quilt shows not only Thistlethwaite’s attention to detail and her broad range of skills in the area of textile art, it also shows her appreciation for love of all things botanical. She attributes her gardening skills in part to her Dutch heritage and the fruits of her talents could be seen in the thriving flower and vegetable gardens bouncing out of the soil at Hawthorne Hill Gardens. The place gets its name from the many mature hawthorn trees growing around the garden on the nearly 200-acre homestead. The gardens are tucked in close to the old farmhouse and are situated near to several outbuildings which are being given new life by Annette and her husband.
One of these buildings is the old mill house which now serves as a studio space. The building was gutted and transformed for its new role and many materials including the beams were repurposed for the new space. The Thistlethwaites have been on the property only a few short years and the transformation to the grounds and buildings is a testament to the work that can be done in a short time when focus and talent are applied diligently. Annette believes the richness of the soil in the area of the gardens is one reason why they are thriving, but it is also clear from the meticulous state of the beds that the gardens are very well tended and that no detail is left undone.
Both flowers and vegetables are started from seed by Thistlethwaite in a greenhouse and the close planting of diverse species helps fend off any weeds. The flowers serve not only as a beautiful inspiration but also as food for the thriving beehives located on the edges of the garden. The flower beds and the bouquets demonstrate how the quilter’s eye for colour arrangement and balance of proportion transfer from one medium to the next. From a distance, the colourful flowerbeds look like a quilt themselves.
Admission was $20 and included light refreshments served in the old mill house. Between the admission and the sale of goods, the event raised a significant amount. Although the results were still being tallied, Thistlethwaite estimated that approximately $1000 was raised for the hospice by over the weekend.
When asked why she chose the hospice to be the recipient of the funds raised, Thistlethwaite pointed to the good work they do in the community.
The website for the hospice describes the work done there as follows, “Madawaska Valley Hospice Palliative Care (MVHPC) is a free support service for individuals and their families who are faced with a life limiting condition. Palliative care can begin even when active treatments are still ongoing and studies prove that earlier palliative support can greatly improve quality of life. Our Clinical Director will assess the unique needs of the person and develop a fluid plan of care that addresses all levels of need at each stage of the illness.”
The hospice also offers bereavement support for a minimum of one year to loved ones following a death.
The Gardens at Hawthorne Hill show the important role outdoor spaces can play in creating beautiful and hospitable environments in which to host events and to gather community. They have not just the functional utility of growing food and flowers, they create at an atmosphere where people are encouraged to gather and appreciate new experiences.
If you missed the opportunity to take in the flowers and quilts and design of the garden this past weekend, there will be a second opportunity to visit the gardens on August 21 with the Madawaska Valley Gardening Club. This event is open to all club members. Membership is $15 and any member can attend. More details on the August tour of the Garden at Hawthorne Hill can be obtained through the club.
To purchase quilts from Annette Thistlethwaite or to find out more about the work she does, readers can contact her at: thistlethwaiteannette36@gmail.com.
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