Prayer Garden Utilizes Formerly Unused Space

By Anne Peterson, HDR Inc.

The garden features a collection of three art pieces named, Faith, Hope, and Love. The pieces symbolize the areas of the garden and are each connected by a stone path ray that connects to a stone bench for reflection.
Photos courtesy of HDR Inc.

When St. Robert Bellarmine Catholic Church added a wing onto the church, a unique space was created in the form of a courtyard between the church and grade school. Years later, through the dream and generosity of two parish families and the efforts of HDR Inc. Landscape Architects, plus numerous volunteers and skilled contractors, this unused space became a much praised Prayer Garden. In particular, one of the designers is a parishioner of the parish and donated both time and talent to the development of this Prayer Garden in memory of her daughter, Megan, who died at age 30 from inflammatory breast cancer.

The north side is defined by a school’s second floor entrance pedestrian bridge and a steep hill, which presented the perfect site for a waterfall and grotto that are highlights of the garden. The bridge creates a space for the gateway entrance into the garden.

At night, lights draw our attention to a bronze statue of Mother Mary; the main focus of the spiritual healing garden.

A gathering space near the center of the garden was created to allow for small classroom activity or other uses and is edged by handcrafted natural stone arched benches. From this area, three concrete ‘rays’ extend out into the garden and are terminated with sculptural pieces representing ‘Faith, Hope and Love’. The main concrete paths provide egress from doors in the parish hall and church, and a paver path, gives the user an opportunity to stroll through the rest of the garden. Off of this path, another small gathering space provides a contemplative area next to a sculptural crucifix on the church wall.

The waterfall drops over a 10 foot elevation as it goes by the grotto and finally into a pond less pool. It seems to continue under the walkway and through a narrow stream to terminate at a 3-bubbler fountain next to the center gathering area. Although, a separate system runs the moving stream and bubbler fountain, the illusion allows the different sounds of water to add to the contemplative mood of
the garden.

The plants in the garden were selected to provide a broad range of color, texture, fragrance and seasonal interest. Only one tree existed on the site near the bridge, so other trees were added to provide eventual shade and canopy.

At the edge of the grotto Mother Mary stands in an out cove of the garden, surrounded by the stone-edged waterfall. Lush plantings, the variety of stonework, and the symbolism within the artwork make the garden a peaceful and spiritual oasis.

Trees and shrubs were selected to show off a variety of species available for this climate and to make the garden an exciting place to observe the seasonal changes. Perennials and annuals add more color, texture and fragrance.

Annuals offer an opportunity to change the garden appearance each year and fill in while the trees and shrubs are maturing.

Lighting added the final touch to the garden to create a magical appearance in evening hours, with water features, art pieces and trees highlighted.