Three of Parkes Shire’s leading artists designed and produced artefacts for Lindy’s Garden. They are (L-R) Elsie Mahon, Deb Jones and Pol Cruz. On the right is Bill Jayet and his daughter Hannah Farrant-Jayet. His son Drew and other family members could not attend because of the COVID lockdown in Sydney.
The garden will offer a space to rekindle happy memories; a place to visit, reflect and remember.
Miss Lindy’s Garden was officially unveiled at the Parkes Early Childhood Centre (PECC) earlier this month in memory of the centre’s beloved director Lindy Farrant who passed away last year.
“We are here to celebrate an amazing garden space that has been created as a living memorial for our much-loved Miss Lindy,” said PECC’s Director Colette Genet-Marks.
“Lindy adored enchanting natural landscapes and artistic and colourful spaces. This garden is a melding of all these elements, with a child-like sense of fun.
“It will remind us of the power that can come from the planting of a small seed and the joy of watching that seed grow and blossom.
“Like adoring the beauty that a garden can bring to the world, Lindy celebrated the beauty of the people around her. She made people feel valued and heard, and we will always treasure the love and guidance that Lindy shared with her community,” said Colette.
“What Lindy has sown in our community; we will all continue to reap. Although Lindy cannot personally experience this garden, I truly believe in spirit Lindy will always be amongst us, continuing to support, guide, treasure and celebrate all that we are and all that we do.”
Lindy’s husband Bill Jayet said one of the last things he and Lindy did together during last year’s COVID lockdown, prior to her condition deteriorating, was to create a new garden at the front of their home.
“So, it was fitting that this beautiful space at PECC be dedicated as a garden to Lindy with all its quirky art bits and pieces by our three talented artists Deb Jones, Elsie Mahon and Pol Cruz.
“These three artists were all friends of Lindy’s: a friendship that especially flourished throughout a memorable couple of
decades of art and craft exhibitions that not only raised tens of thousands of dollars for PECC but also became one of the great social events of the Parkes calendar.
“Elsie, Deb and Pol – you really are treasures – again your artistic skills have come to the fore.
“We are absolutely delighted with what you have created and produced. Our heartfelt thanks go to all who were responsible
for making Lindy’s Garden a reality,” said Bill.
Bill Jayet with Colette Genet-Marks in Lindy’s Garden. Lindy would have turned 65 on Sunday – the garden has 65 flower plants. (Photos: Julie Brown)