Nestled in the Sanctuary Courtyard of the First Presbyterian Church in Houston is a GARDEN with tremendous meaning. It is a GARDEN that reflects the beliefs of First Presbyterian. It is a GARDEN for interment and remembrance. It is a GARDEN that serves the congregation. It is a GARDEN that celebrates life.

 

The goals and desires of the First Presbyterian congregation to create a wonderful, meaningful space for memorializing loved ones proved incredibly challenging and rewarding for the landscape architect. The landscape architect worked closely with the church to develop a program that created a garden for ash internment and recognition. The garden had to be designed in such a way to allow for contemplative use, yet is welcoming for group gathering. Users had to feel comfortable using the space knowing that it was a special and sacred space.

 

The Garden, located adjacent the Sanctuary, is enclosed on all sides by structure. The garden consists of a circular path, stone wall / water feature, seating, and beautiful landscaping. A circular brick path allows users to access and experience the garden. The red brick path complements the existing building material of the church and symbolizes "The Circle of Life".

 

The Memorial Wall slices through the center of "The Circle of Life". Made of travertine, the stone wall is engraved on the Sanctuary side with a Biblical quote of great meaning to the church: "For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; he will lead them to springs of living water, and God will wipe away tears in their eyes". The space created on this side provides a public side of the garden designed for gathering and congregation. Loved ones names are recognized on the opposite side. The space created on this side of the wall provides a garden for solitude and reflection. Cut stone paving allows access to the wall.

 

Water representing life draws people into the garden. Bronze water scuppers break the wall and provide water spills into a bed of Mexican beach pebbles. The movement of water animates the space and generates a soothing sound. The spaces between the wall panels allow for a glimpse to the other side of the garden. They also reduce and soften the scale of the wall.

 

Teak benches are located to take advantage of the garden and reinforce "The Circle of Life". Plantings of Azaleas, Bicolor Iris, Wedelia, Giant Liriope and Natchez Crape Myrtle provide richness and seasonal interest to the space.