Mt. Zion United Methodist Church Memorial and Prayer Garden

Mt. Zion United Methodist Church is located in a small town near Clemson University called Central, South Carolina. The congregation of 270 members asked the University's to design a memorial and prayer garden on the church's property. The chosen site for the garden is located between the stone church and a recently restored historical schoolhouse. The objective was to design an outdoor space so one could sit, pray, meditate, and be reminded of God's blessings.

In this design there are two underlying themes. The first is to paint the picture Mary saw when returning to Jesus' tomb to find that he rose from the dead. The Bible state's in John 19:41, "Mary returned to the garden where Jesus' tomb was. There she found an overturned stone in front of his tomb." In the design one would step into the garden and find an overturned stone in the distance among azaleas. Adjacent to the stone is a tomb-like space created by a series of Crape Myrtles. Secondly, the design follows the story of Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection. When first entering the garden, one passes under an arbor of climbing roses. This symbolizes the crown of thorns that was placed on Jesus' head. Next, one would pass by a flowering dogwood whose flowers symbolize the cross that he was crucified on. And finally one would reach the tomb in which Jesus was placed and rose from. These experiences celebrate Christianity. It reminds Christians that Jesus died for our sins and his resurrection is proof that he is the Son of God.

The garden itself is a place to sit and reflect in the shade or sun. The design is an informal courtyard set adjacent to the church. Surrounding a small lawn are four benches where members can sit and read, pray, or just talk amongst the flowers. Each bench can accommodate four or more people. One bench in the middle of the design can accommodate eight or more members. These benches are useful for small Sunday school classes. The lawn is surrounded by annual flower beds and mixed perennials. Another interesting space is the "tomb-like" space which also serves as the handicap access. This space is created by two rows of four Crape Myrtles. When inside the space one would experience the sculpted trunks and arching branches. In the summer this space would be shady and topped with white flowers.

The annual beds in the garden are intended to be planted seasonally. Pansies flower in the fall, winter, and spring months. Marigolds and Zinnias are to be planted in the summer months. Along with the annual flowers, spring and summer bulbs will appear. In the spring Daffodils will appear and then Daylilies take over for the summer. Seasonal interest is provided by trees and shrubs. In spring the white flowers of the Dogwood are set against the pinks and reds of the Azaleas. Later in the summer months the Golden Rain Tree will appear with yellow racemes hanging towards the ground and then the Crape Myrtles with huge white flowers blooming for weeks. In the winter, the berries of wax myrtle, the hollies, and inkberry will attract birds to the garden. This will add some excitement to the dull winter months. They also create a great buffer that blocks views into a parking lot but allows a view of an attractive building next door.

Sustainability was addressed in many ways. First, the space designed for the garden is small. So is the lawn area. This means there is less to maintain. The rock-paved border along planting beds allows for easy mowing within the garden. This rock can be recycled from demolition projects. Most of the plants selected are drought-resistant and will survive without irrigation after the second or third season. The garden will not be lit with light therefore saving energy. If there is a decision to light the garden it is close enough to share the light with the parking lot next door. And finally the plantings create a wildlife habitat. In the summer there are hundreds of flowers such as Marigolds, Zinnias, and the Butterfly-bush to attract insects and birds alike. Birds will also have plenty of food provided by the Dogwood, Wax Myrtles, Bayberry, Inkberry, and Hollies.

There are many opportunities for memorials in this garden also. First and foremost the overturned rock is a memorial to Jesus Christ. Other memorials could be engraved in the rock paving, benches could be engraved, plantings or even the name of the garden can be in someone's memory.

In conclusion, this small garden provides many layers of symbolism and seasonal interest in a sustainable design that meets the needs of the people. Members of the congregation now have a place to go enjoy God's natural world while honoring past souls in a memorial garden celebrating the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.