The Story of the Prayer Garden

Creating a natural space for quiet contemplation and children

The western corner of Saint Paul’s Episcopal Church grounds is a secluded spot, bound by an iron fence at the Columbarium and near an obsolete rear entrance to the church. Over 40 years ago, it had been configured as a playground with a seesaw, wood whirlygig, and 3 riding toys. As the Columbarium came into greater use and the playground deteriorated, there was increasing interest in renovation it by two disparate groups: those seeking a place for quiet contemplation, and the children.

The playground had been neglected, overgrown by weeds. Large and bright colored plastic play equipment had largely replaced the classic fixtures and presented a visual affront to the solemnity of the Columbarium resting place.

Before Photos

This corner had been the subject of discussion by those who frequented the Columbarium, and funds had been raised for renovation, but were without a plan for going further. Into the situation came Joe Affel, Boy Scout and the church’s most involved 17 year old, and my co-partner, Jackie Winterbottom, and I, both part-time professional gardeners.

Together with The Reverend Cliff Cutler, the Vestry, and the Property Committee, we designed and created a garden that reclaimed this space and managed to resolve the conflicting goals of the more mature and the very youngest parishioners. In keeping with the parish’s chartered goals of sustainability, the existing soil was enriched with leaf compost from nearby townships, and the top mulch was ground Christmas trees. The pathway edge stones came from construction sites and the garden itself. Even the bench in the wooden playhouse was rescued from the curb. The largest plastic playground fixture now sees far more use at the Wyndmoor Montessori School.

The garden begins at the end of the Columbarium, maintaining its formality and providing space for solitude and a green screen. Beyond Saint Paul’s only flying buttress, it transitions into a diffuse playground. A children’s garden, planted with tomatoes and sunflowers by the church schoolers, was enjoyed for the first few seasons. Most of the plants were donated by parishioners. A tall, chain link fence was removed, connecting the garden to a path leading to the original church rear entrance near the Sunday school classrooms. It now provides a second entrance to the garden to encourage more frequent use by the children on Sundays.

In more recent years, it has matured into a less manicured space. It feels more like a venerable hidden garden, open for interpretation by those whose curiosity leads them down the winding path to see what might be on the other side…

Sketches by Leslie Hanlon

Under Construction

Project Complete