The Art of Kindness: One Woman’s Gift of a Whimsical Flower Garden to the Island

May 09, 2025

A Garden Grows at Aquarius Park

If you’ve strolled past Aquarius Park lately, you may have noticed something special—a small slice of joy quietly blooming between the playground and the curb. It’s not a city project or a sponsored installation. It’s the heartfelt work of one local woman who simply wanted to make the Island a little more beautiful for everyone.

Bernadette Taisey, a retired Islander originally from Seattle, has been quietly transforming this public space with her own two hands—and her own money. There are aquatic-shaped flower beds in the forms of turtles and fish along with a painted canoe at the corner of the lot. Sully the Seagull, perched on a wooden post, stands guard—welcoming passersby and playmates alike.

Sully the Seagull Standing Watch Over the Playground

She’s also created a whimsical flower garden with a play area filled with toddler toys, colorful paving stones, tiny fairy gardens, painted rocks, and fresh strawberries growing beside a large bowl of toy produce.

This is the kind of gift that doesn’t ask for recognition, just appreciation.

Tending More Than a Whimsical Flower Garden

What makes Bernie’s work even more touching is that she does it all without fanfare. She has no young children of her own here to enjoy the park—this is a labor of love for the community. The toddler area is open to the public, and Bernie regularly invites others to drop off small toys, help weed the garden beds, or simply enjoy the space she’s so lovingly created.

Whimsical Fairy Garden

Although some of the fairy garden decorations or toys have been damaged or even taken over time, Bernie simply replaces what’s missing and carries on. Her generosity isn’t conditional—it’s rooted in hope, kindness, and a belief in community. And in every carefully painted rock or blooming bed, you can see that spirit in full color.

How You Can Help

While Bernie hasn’t expressed interest in managing a fundraiser or handling donations directly, many have asked how they can support her efforts. So here’s what we’re doing: We’re putting together “Kindness Kits” to restock and refresh what’s been lost or broken and to support Bernie’s ongoing work.

If you’ve ever smiled watching your child play there or admired those vibrant flower beds in passing, this is a simple way to say thank you.

Padre Island Art Gallery is now accepting gift cards—Lowe’s, Home Depot, Ace Hardware (right here on the Island), or local nurseries—along with small items that can be included in the “Kindness Kits.” Think gardening gloves, seeds, fairy garden décor, or toddler toys for the play areas. If you’d like to contribute, just drop by the gallery and we’ll make sure your kindness finds its way to the right hands.

Fresh Strawberries and Play Veggies in the Playground

The Art of Giving Back

We often talk about the art we hang on walls, but sometimes the most meaningful art is also found in quiet acts of care—like a tended garden or a space made special for others to enjoy. Bernie’s work at Aquarius Park is just that: a living expression of kindness, created with her own time, money, and imagination.

And just as important—let’s teach our kids, and remind ourselves, the art of appreciation and respect. Behind each playful touch and blooming bed of these shared spaces is someone’s time, effort, and love. 

So the next time you pass by Aquarius Park, take a moment to stop. Let your kids play. Look at the gardens. Maybe even pull a weed or two. And know that you’re standing in a space that is shaped by one small act of kindness at a time.  

Aquatic Shaped Flower beds

The Art of Island Life will return next week with more stories and inspiration from our coastal community. Have a story to share or an upcoming event? Reach out to me at melissa@padreislandartgallery.com.