The Memory Garden at First Presbyterian Church of Atlanta is in midtown at the corner of Peachtree and 16th Street. Bellwether Landscape Architects donated pro bono design services to the restoration of the garden. It was originally designed by avant-garde landscape architect Edith Henderson (1911-2005).

The hardscape for the garden represents an angel with outstretched wings. Edith Henderson, a pioneer in landscape architecture who designed the original garden, noted: "When space is a scarce commodity, the thoughtful use of it is like a breath of fresh air. We need it badly in cities, in small towns and in our own backyards"?(R)?uncluttered space is a priceless possession that will not be with us long unless we protect it."

Bellwether Landscape Architects was delighted to donate its design services to spearhead the restoration of the Memory Garden in Atlanta. Edith Henderson, a pioneer in landscape architecture, designed the original garden. With the help of Henderson's original notes and sketches the firm was able to fully revitalize this garden, while preserving original plants when possible, and replacing plants with similar ones when necessary.

Missy Madden, a principal at Bellwether Landscape Architects, was first approached to restore the garden at Atlanta's First Presbyterian Church last winter. Memories of time in the garden, and time spent volunteering with Edith fueled the passion of church members to see the garden brought back to its original glory.

Madden felt honored to take on the task of restoring the pioneer's design. Henderson, a graduate of the Lowthorpe School of Landscape Design in Groton, Mass., was the recipient of the Oakleigh Thorne Award, the highest honor of the Garden Club of America, and a chair of the ASLA Council of Fellows. She also has a $1000 annual scholarship in her name through the Landscape Architecture Foundation.

Charles Rice, the original landscape installer, and Aspen Meadows Landscape Services, collaborated on the installation. Rice remembered every plant and placement of Henderson's design. The garden is in an interior courtyard of the expansive church. The location was a challenge, as was removing mature plants that were not part of the original design, and working with the underground utilities for drainage. BLA was given just six weeks to complete the project for the June 8, 2014 dedication, Edith Henderson's birthday.

The church walls enclose the Memory Garden. It's a place for intimate moments of reflection and remembrance. The design includes a water lily and hyacinth filled fishpond. The Pennsylvania bluestone walkway is densely lined with dwarf mondo grass.