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Join us for the Grand Opening on Wednesday, October 29, 2025 at 11 AM – 1 PM

From Vision to Reality

In the quiet aftermath of a lecture I delivered at the Unitarian Universalist meeting hall, a serendipitous encounter unfolded that would forever intertwine my path with that of the Clovis Botanical Garden. Three members of the garden’s board approached me, their eyes alight with possibility and their voices full of hope. They spoke of a dream, a vision of creating a visitors’ center for their cherished garden, one that could welcome guests and foster a deeper connection to the natural world. They asked if I would consider designing this center, a task I, too, felt drawn to. Of course, I replied with an enthusiastic “Yes,” honored by the opportunity to help bring their dream to life.

However, there was a catch, this non-profit organization had no funds to speak of. Yet, their belief in the power of the vision was unwavering. They were confident that if the design could be realized, the necessary funds would follow. And so, with no promises of funding and driven purely by the shared dream, we set to work, engaging in countless meetings, both on and off-site. Slowly, carefully, the design began to take shape, a physical manifestation of their aspirations, a space that would serve as the heart of the garden and inspire all who visited.

The pandemic, however, cast its shadow over our efforts, and the garden’s fundraising presentation was scheduled at a time when in-person gatherings had become a rarity. I had hoped for a full house, but as expected, the turnout was far smaller than anticipated. Only a few souls gathered, their faces hidden behind masks, yet still, the energy was palpable. The morning after the presentation, one attendee approached me with a question that would change everything: “What would the construction cost?” I provided an estimate, and in response, she made an extraordinary offer. She would donate enough to cover the entire cost of construction, an act of unparalleled generosity. Her only request was that her name remain anonymous.

And so it was, for months, the garden board worked diligently, knowing only that a benefactor had made the impossible possible. Her identity remained a mystery, her generosity a quiet but profound catalyst for the dream’s unfolding. It wasn’t until several months later, to my great relief, that the donor revealed herself to the board, her name now a cherished part of the garden’s story.

This is a tale of what happens when dreams and determination align. Three individuals, with only minimum funds, were able to transform an impossible vision into a living, breathing reality. It is a story of how passion, perseverance, and the generosity of a single person can breathe life into something greater than we ever thought possible. The Clovis Botanical Garden’s visitors’ center, now a beacon of hope, stands as a testament to what can be achieved when we dare to dream, and when we find others who are willing to invest in that dream.