An Impressionistic Theme Captures the Essence of a Space for Reflection and Repose

13 March 2002

The clients are the members of the Mt. Zion United Methodist Church, which is located in Central, South Carolina. This church consists of 270 members, mostly elderly, and has an average attendance of 125 members. It is a very unique stone church that was built by hand in 1922. Built from donated materials and by the hands of 20 men, this church is a very sacred space for many members of the church today. In addition to the church, the members of the congregation wanted another sacred space. Designing a space where members of the congregation could repose and reflect on their loved ones.
This sacred space was the first topic researched by the Clemson University landscape design class selected to design this space. Other research themes included biblical plants, labyrinths, sanctuary gardens, church habitat gardens, meditation gardens, and cloister gardens. A site inventory analysis was also completed to study existing vegetation, topography, hydrology, views, circulation, surrounding land use, and utilities.

After developing an understanding of the site and interviewing the client to determine their needs, the class was given the option to choose what area of the site and what type of garden to design. Drawing an axis off the proposed addition to the church and off the centerline of the existing parking lot helped determine the site of this garden. Placing the entrance of the garden on the church axis implies a linear path, connecting the church and the garden. Placing the focal point of the garden on the existing parking lot axis achieves maximum visibility from the entrance of the lot.

The proposed garden is a space in which people can reflect and repose. The design concept is based on an impressionistic theme. Expressed through fine textures, vibrant colors, and aromatic flowers, the garden reflects this impressionistic theme creating an airy ambiance or feel. The design consists of 3 main focal points that are located throughout the garden. The first focal point is a stonewall that defines the entrance of the garden, attracting attention. The second focal point is a series of 5 wrought iron arches that outline the concrete path, creating a simple outdoor room. The third and main focal point is a domed structure at the end of the path, acting as both the primary focal and terminal point. The domed structure is a gazebo but serves the client as a sacred space in which one can reflect and repose on life and loved ones. The structure is comprised of a series of columns that " dance" in a circle below a domed wrought iron trellis with swings (for sitting) between the columns.

Plants and trees were selected to provide texture, form, color, and fragrance. They unify the hardscape and the softscape to create a comfortable space for reflection and repose. Fine textured plants were used extensively because fine texture is soft on the eyes. Air blowing through these fine textures creates a whimsical feel. Seasonal and colorful blooms such as flowering dogwood (Cornus florida), siberian iris (Iris siberica), dwarf maiden grass (Miscanthus sinensis), and rhododendron were selected for an aesthetic year round garden. Various fragrant flowers including daphne (Daphne mezureum), climbing rose (Rosa hybrida 'New Dawn'), and bugbane (Cimicifuga ramose 'Hillside Black Beauty') enable people to experience the garden through smell. The pyramidal form of the deodar cedars contrast with the horizontal form of the dogwoods that draw your eye up and across the garden. The design utilizes plants and their bloom color to create line and movement. Strips of purple iris, pink geranium, red heuchera, and purple salvia run along the walkway and the grass lawn to repeat the circular form of the dome. A ring of biblical plants including bee balm (Monarda punctata), hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis), artmesia (Artmesia arborescens), blue salvia (Salvia farincea), and anise (Anethum graveolens) encircles the dome, enhancing this sacred space with biblical meaning and symbolism.

The plant design also incorporates sustainability. Mulch is used to retain moisture and the trees give shade. Selected plants such as flowering dogwood and wax myrtle (Myrica cerifera) have berries that attract birds. The low branching form of the deodar cedar (Cedrus deodara) and vanhoutte spirea (Spiraea x vanhouttei) attracts smaller animals providing shelter and home. Color and fragrance of certain blooms attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinating insects and wildlife, creating a healthy wildlife habitat. Many of the plants are drought tolerant and hardy varieties were selected so maintenance is low.

In conclusion, the impressionistic theme of the garden creates seasonal beauty throughout the year welcoming visitors to reflect and repose. Congregation members are invited to enter a space in which they can reflect and repose on their lives and loved ones with the fragrance, textures, and colors of the impressionistic garden.