Fall, 2004

We are blessed with a beautiful campus-like property for our synagogue. The wooded characteristic gives it a special quality that is different from temples in city environments or in residential neighborhoods. The space is full of beautiful trees, open lawns, natural woodland buffers and quiet spots for resting and thinking. The CSI Memorial Garden is located in the South area of the synagogue property – opposite the school entrance. The space was cleared from existing brush and bramble and the first trees were planted twelve years ago. There are a mixture of Spruce Trees, flowering trees, Oaks, perennials and our expanding Lilac garden. It truly is a peaceful spot away from the action where it is easy to sit on a bench under a tree and think or remember.

We have included personal donations in memory of loved ones as well as community donations in memory of tragic national events. The space is filling up with trees and memories. It is our hope to someday make a further expansion of the garden. Until that time, we are hopeful that new donations will be in the Lilac Garden or in the proposed planting areas around the periphery (a proposed mixed shrub border).

New plantings for the next season are always welcome; it's always a good time to make a planting “in honor” of a special occasion. There are many opportunities throughout the CSI property to plant trees for happy celebrations, too!! You can enjoy the plantings as they mature and also know that they are a gift to the next generation. If you are interested in being part of the CSI Landscape in any way, (different price ranges are available) please feel free to contact Ryna Lustig at 271-5130 or email Ryna

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