'design and build'
Back in 2014 we were asked to meet with St Marks School in Talbot Village to design a prayer garden. Our initial meeting involved a group of school children with their teachers. They had conducted an activity with all their class mates to ensure everyones hopes and dreams had been included for their prayer garden space. Lots of information was gathered that required Lou & Andy to collate in order to identify specific key areas and themes that had emerged from the meeting. Everyones hopes and wishes would need to be reflected in the design.
A garden that became a series of 'outdoor rooms' reflecting a specific purpose such as 'Thanksgiving' and 'Hopes and Dreams'. Visitors to the garden can choose which path to take and engage with each aspect of what the garden has to offer...
Before...
A very tired open space with an aged raised decked area with seating.
You can see the top of the beautiful Almshouses that sit opposite the school playground/field and passers by frequently use the lane for access to the school, local residents and dog walkers.
After...
As you enter the garden to the right is a statue of Jesus (like the one in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) greets you, which was specially designed and created by Carver Harvey (www.carverharvey.co.uk)
To the left of the entrance is a 'What we Need to Thrive' noticeboard, which was designed & made by Haven Spaces that provides a tool for teachers and children to use e.g. what the plants need to survive & us spiritually. The board can be used for various activities with the children. Also the 'Living Archway' again designed and created by Haven Spaces, which provides a wonderful haven to welcome insects and wildlife into the garden. Its finished off with varnished wooden branches to represent deer antlers, giving a strong and shapely presence.
As you open the gate it swings back to hover over some crazy paving, which snuggles up against the cobble pathway... There is also a planting border with compact varieties of English Lavender & Rosemary at the front of the garden, which will attract more wildlife into the garden.
A dwarf variety of ''Red Robin' was used as a low hedge to edge the pathway entrance & the standard size to the left once you're through the archway, which once established will provide more of a dense compact frame to the 'creation' part of the garden.
Once you've walked through the 'Living Archway' you enter into a series of six named spaces, which are described in pairs below...
The children were involved in painting the fence panels in rainbow colours, which was organised in group relays!
Another designer was commissioned to design the benches that would snuggle around the pond with the inscription taken from the bible 'Don't worry about anything, instead pray about everything' (Philippians 4:6). A tranquil place for children to sit, reflect and pray.
The benches help to accentuate this area of the garden. You can also see how this pathway merges into a very coastal feel with the mock sleepers and decorative chippings...
The next two areas of the garden...
The final 5th and 6th space at the end of the Prayer Garden...
Phew! We did it! The project spilled into early Autumn due to the weather being against us, but what an amazing journey this has been!
Against the whole length of the rainbow fence you can see a slim border of earth which is where wild meadow flowers will be sown by the children, a seed mix chosen by Haven Spaces that will provide further colour and attract more wildlife to the garden.
official opening of 'The garden of peace'
(as named by the children at st marks school)
A wonderful service was held at 'The Garden of Peace' when everyone joined in worship songs and it was officially opened by the pastor from St Marks Church who blessed the garden in preparation for all those who will engage with the space and what it has to offer. Children have been chosen as Garden Stewards to care for and monitor the use of the garden.