The Spirit Center Monastery of St. Gertrude in Cottonwood, Idaho will host "Gardening of the Soul: Holistic Living" from July 20-22.

According to a press release the retreat will focus on how "soul gardening" can contribute to healthy living, and attendees will explore concepts of holistic living through music, nutrition, art and movement.

Presenters will be Sister Agnes Reichlin, a registered nurse, and Sister Carlotta Maria Fontes, a master herbalist.

Sister Fontes grows and harvests medicinal herbs used in the Nature's Gifts Healing Salve. "I never would have thought the earth and all its creation would have touched me so much. Since being here at the Monastery, I have come to appreciate the earth and all its gifts. When I walk the hill I feel such a sense of closeness to all that's around me, and when I see a new plant I can't wait to find out what it is and if it has any medicinal properties," she said in a press release.

"Nature is about balance," adds Sister Reichlin. "We understand that the more we understand our relationship with the Universe. I am interested in the way art and dancing helps us build that relationship."

Suggested donation for the retreat is $175 for a single or $130 for a shared room, including meals.

For information call (208) 962-2000 or email retreats@stgertrudes.org.