Before I get too far away from Quartzsite, AZ, I want to tell you about Celia’s Rainbow Gardens.
Celia was the daughter of Paul & Joanne Winer, who are Quartzsite residents, and in 1995, when she was 8-1/2 years old, she died in her mother’s arms. I won’t repeat her entire story here because her mother, Joanne, tells the story much better than I could. Just CLICK HERE to read about this amazing little girl and the blessing she brought to her parents, and ultimately to the little desert town she and her parents came to call “home.”
Celia’s Rainbow Gardens is part of the Townsite Park located in the north end of town near the Town Hall. There are benches and covered areas for people who want to relax and spend some time in the peaceful gardens or wander among the memorials. There are many interesting things to see as you walk through the eight acres of Celia’s Rainbow Gardens – flowers, critters, birds, interesting arrangements of stepping stones and benches, even a brightly painted mailbox where you can leave a message on a pad of paper inside.
One of the more unique things in the garden is Adamsville, a miniature village that was moved to Celia’s Rainbow Gardens in 2001 from its previous location near Parker, AZ. Although I didn’t get very many photos of Adamsville, it was interesting to see – imagine what it took to move that entire little town! It’s now in the process of being restored by some local residents, as you can imagine the toll being in the desert environment has taken on the little buildings and other miniature things.
I visited Celia’s gardens twice while I was in Quartzsite and each time, I was struck by the amount of care the community has displayed with the property, and the diversity of the memorials that have been placed here. Celia was indeed a very special little girl and it was her dream to make the world a better place. I think she’s accomplished that goal and more.
If you ever get a chance to go to Quartzsite, make sure to make a stop at Celia’s Rainbow Gardens. The peace you find there may be something you can take back with you into your own world, and perhaps it’s something you’ll keep with you as you walk through your days. I know I do.
Other links of reference for Celia’s Rainbow Gardens
Thanks for all your recent posts. I appreciate this one, because I missed Celia’s Rainbow Gardens when I was in Quartzsite. I’ll be sure to see it next time. More lovely photos in this post! Love that lizard!
Thanks, Blaize. I really enjoyed roaming around the gardens. It’s very peaceful out there.
And why does Quarzsite love miniature villages? There’s one at the historical museum too.
I haven’t been to the historical museum yet – it’s always closed when I go by. It’s on my list of things to do when I go back.
Lois, Celia’s story and the garden is absolutely amazing. I imagine it being very peaceful and reflective. Thanks for sharing. I hope they receive donations from visitors.
Hi Nancy! I know there are donations collected for Celia’s Gardens, including an annual free hot dog & burger BBQ lunch that includes a country band for music and entertainment by Celia’s father, who is a world-class musician and entertainer himself. There are donation jars at that event, as well as other places that accept donations for the gardens. Paul Winer, Celia’s father, also owns a local book store and although I’ve never been in it (I try to keep away from those kinds of places now that I have super-limited space and no place for more books 😀 ), I’m sure he accepts donations at his store as well. It truly has turned out to be a wonderful thing for the community to do.