The Labyrinth Garden
By Janice Ritter
The labyrinth is a journey of inward reflection, personal growth, self-discovery,
introspection, peace, and serenity. It is a single path leading in and out. But adding to
the journey of walking the labyrinth, the garden around it adds an additional perspective.
Entering the labyrinth along the brick sidewalk reminds us of the people living and lost
that contributed to its development. The yellow ice plant at the beginning provides a
cooling thought as you enter on a hot summer day. Hyacinths along the pathway
welcome the beginning of spring. While the Ice Cream tulips look like a red bowl of ice
cream coming later in the spring. The Creeping Red Thyme reminds us that time creeps
upon us, so enjoy the moments we have. The Beezee Dark Blue English lavender
provides an evergreen welcoming scent year-round. The lavender tends to deter
mosquitoes, flies, moths, but adds nourishment to butterflies and bees. While the name
Beezee reminds us of our busy lives, the lavender scent provides relaxation. The area
by the sidewalk is more formal reminding us of the structure we have within our lives.
The area around the labyrinth is more diverse. It represents more of a community
where different smells, textures, appearances, and purposes all coexist. It has its
seasons where in spring it abounds with color. Early, mid, and late season crocus,
hyacinths, tulips, daffodils, and others grow, bloom, and die giving away to those that
follow. Even though their blooms may be gone, their foliage remains much later giving
strength to the bulb below making it stronger in the future, as loved ones pass down
their wisdom so the next generation may be stronger. The next blooming season
comes along with Forever Blue Dwarf Reblooming Bearded iris, Spanish lavender, lilies,
etc. Included in the garden are special plants that have additional meaning. There are
seven Passo gladiolas along the top representing the 12 disciples that journeyed with
Jesus. Passo means “step” in Italian. There are 12 green wooden stakes providing
support for the gladiola’s blooms. Six stakes provide inspiration as you enter the
labyrinth, while the other six provide reflection as you leave. There is a single rosemary
plant at center top of the labyrinth circle that represents Mary who gave birth to Jesus
starting his path. The beginning and end of the journey is marked by 2 Red Labyrinth
dahlias. These are the only plants that are not drought resistant, so if you have water to
share, they would appreciate it. There are other plants that may not be mentioned, but
they are also there for your enjoyment.
The garden is divided into shade and sun, like people that glow in the light, those that
like the comfort of the shade, and those that flourish in both. Shade plants are on the
south side and sun loving plants are on the north side. Some of the shade plants are
heuchera, spotted wintergreen, hostas blue star creeper, and columbine. The sun
loving plants are sedum, lily, coreopsis, and mums.
There are also edible plants like sage, thyme, rosemary, and lavender that can be
added to foods that provide nourishment and flavor to life. The Chef’s Choice
Rosemary is a particular favorite.
The garden was planted with certain parameters guided by Vancouver Heights
Methodist Church members . The garden has a 3-foot boundary to be reachable for
planting and weeding and allows most plants to spread. It has 6 inches of good soil that
was brought in to give it a good start. The area is not watered during the summer, so
most of the plants are drought resistant or tolerant. The exception is the labyrinth
dahlia. We did not want plants to be invasive. We tried to keep them below 2 feet,
except for a mum and dahlias at the beginning of the labyrinth to limit future pruning.
Any creeping plants were to be below 4 inches so they could be mowed over.
Perennials were preferred over annuals. People may add to the garden around the
labyrinth. Some have added mums and lilies. If a bulb is in the way, move it to another
spot. The goal was to limit maintenance in the future.
There may be weeds that come up in our garden. If you recognize a weed, please try to
pull it. Like the negativity that can enter our lives, it is best to find a way to handle it. It
is your choice to remove or appreciate it. A weed is only a flower that is not desired.
The labyrinth and its garden are here to be shared. We have sought to provide sights,
smells, textures, tastes, and sounds to your experience. There are some small painted
rocks in buckets that you can add or take as a remembrance of your journey. And a few
butterflies that blow in the breeze. Small chimes by the benches help you relax and let
your mind and senses enjoy the peacefulness of the labyrinth and its garden.
There are additional sheets that help you identify the many wonders of the labyrinth and its
garden.
By Janice Ritter
The labyrinth is a journey of inward reflection, personal growth, self-discovery,
introspection, peace, and serenity. It is a single path leading in and out. But adding to
the journey of walking the labyrinth, the garden around it adds an additional perspective.
Entering the labyrinth along the brick sidewalk reminds us of the people living and lost
that contributed to its development. The yellow ice plant at the beginning provides a
cooling thought as you enter on a hot summer day. Hyacinths along the pathway
welcome the beginning of spring. While the Ice Cream tulips look like a red bowl of ice
cream coming later in the spring. The Creeping Red Thyme reminds us that time creeps
upon us, so enjoy the moments we have. The Beezee Dark Blue English lavender
provides an evergreen welcoming scent year-round. The lavender tends to deter
mosquitoes, flies, moths, but adds nourishment to butterflies and bees. While the name
Beezee reminds us of our busy lives, the lavender scent provides relaxation. The area
by the sidewalk is more formal reminding us of the structure we have within our lives.
The area around the labyrinth is more diverse. It represents more of a community
where different smells, textures, appearances, and purposes all coexist. It has its
seasons where in spring it abounds with color. Early, mid, and late season crocus,
hyacinths, tulips, daffodils, and others grow, bloom, and die giving away to those that
follow. Even though their blooms may be gone, their foliage remains much later giving
strength to the bulb below making it stronger in the future, as loved ones pass down
their wisdom so the next generation may be stronger. The next blooming season
comes along with Forever Blue Dwarf Reblooming Bearded iris, Spanish lavender, lilies,
etc. Included in the garden are special plants that have additional meaning. There are
seven Passo gladiolas along the top representing the 12 disciples that journeyed with
Jesus. Passo means “step” in Italian. There are 12 green wooden stakes providing
support for the gladiola’s blooms. Six stakes provide inspiration as you enter the
labyrinth, while the other six provide reflection as you leave. There is a single rosemary
plant at center top of the labyrinth circle that represents Mary who gave birth to Jesus
starting his path. The beginning and end of the journey is marked by 2 Red Labyrinth
dahlias. These are the only plants that are not drought resistant, so if you have water to
share, they would appreciate it. There are other plants that may not be mentioned, but
they are also there for your enjoyment.
The garden is divided into shade and sun, like people that glow in the light, those that
like the comfort of the shade, and those that flourish in both. Shade plants are on the
south side and sun loving plants are on the north side. Some of the shade plants are
heuchera, spotted wintergreen, hostas blue star creeper, and columbine. The sun
loving plants are sedum, lily, coreopsis, and mums.
There are also edible plants like sage, thyme, rosemary, and lavender that can be
added to foods that provide nourishment and flavor to life. The Chef’s Choice
Rosemary is a particular favorite.
The garden was planted with certain parameters guided by Vancouver Heights
Methodist Church members . The garden has a 3-foot boundary to be reachable for
planting and weeding and allows most plants to spread. It has 6 inches of good soil that
was brought in to give it a good start. The area is not watered during the summer, so
most of the plants are drought resistant or tolerant. The exception is the labyrinth
dahlia. We did not want plants to be invasive. We tried to keep them below 2 feet,
except for a mum and dahlias at the beginning of the labyrinth to limit future pruning.
Any creeping plants were to be below 4 inches so they could be mowed over.
Perennials were preferred over annuals. People may add to the garden around the
labyrinth. Some have added mums and lilies. If a bulb is in the way, move it to another
spot. The goal was to limit maintenance in the future.
There may be weeds that come up in our garden. If you recognize a weed, please try to
pull it. Like the negativity that can enter our lives, it is best to find a way to handle it. It
is your choice to remove or appreciate it. A weed is only a flower that is not desired.
The labyrinth and its garden are here to be shared. We have sought to provide sights,
smells, textures, tastes, and sounds to your experience. There are some small painted
rocks in buckets that you can add or take as a remembrance of your journey. And a few
butterflies that blow in the breeze. Small chimes by the benches help you relax and let
your mind and senses enjoy the peacefulness of the labyrinth and its garden.
There are additional sheets that help you identify the many wonders of the labyrinth and its
garden.
