We’ve written several times about the evolving vision for a prayer
garden called The Lavender Pavilion. Since our move here to Oregon, we’ve
slowly been developing this garden on a 1/3-acre strip of our property. (If you
want to read the whole story, click “Lavender Pavilion” under the Labels
heading on the sidebar).
The centerpiece of
the garden is a prayer path (labyrinth) that we completed this summer. Our goal
was to use all natural materials and to employ a somewhat classical design.
After much research, we chose a 7-circuit, neo-medieval plan, and we laid it
out on 40’-diameter circle. To walk into the center and out again is a trip of
roughly 1000’.
We hauled many loads of crushed gravel to use for the base (about 9
tons) and then used four types of rock to create the labyrinth:
** Rainbow rock (2 tons) of various colors, sizes, and shapes line the pathways that lead people to the center.
** Rainbow pebbles fill the open spaces at intersections and add color.
** 5 mini basalt columns in the center catch the eye and point upward to
heaven.
** White marble chips surround the basalt columns to create contrast and
add beauty.
Laying down the path was quite a task. It’s not easy to place rocks
in circles and keep the curves lined up! We had to print out a pattern, create
a template, carefully measure and lay out “marker rocks” at key quadrants and
intersections, then place everything by hand. (And, of course, continually measure and adjust along the way).
Afterward, we then installed two non-natural (man-made) items: an arched and open gateway to welcome people in, and a decorative mailbox. The mailbox is one of two in the garden at the moment.
Afterward, we then installed two non-natural (man-made) items: an arched and open gateway to welcome people in, and a decorative mailbox. The mailbox is one of two in the garden at the moment.
We use these
mailboxes for two reasons. First, they are attractive and add a nice design
element to the garden. Second, they are a practical – and weatherproof – place
to hold information and instructions for those who visit.
There still is much work
to be done, because the Lavender Pavilion always will be a work in progress.
But it now is officially “open” on Mondays and Thursdays, during daylight
hours.
We welcome friends, neighbors and family members to stop by to pray,to
reflect, and to take a break from the hurried nature of life.
-
Bruce & Julie
