When I had my big house in the city, I had one side yard designated for a "secret shade garden" where I could sit and drink a cup of coffee even in the summer. That's a big deal here in Phoneix. I pushed the envelope with things I grew in that small area.

The other side was a 'prayer garden' where I had to water by hose rather than the drip system. I placed river rocks with friends names painted on them along the path . . . as I came to each one, I would say a little prayer. I miss having a large property to do that and hope to do it again one day.

I'd like to write an article for my website about prayer gardens so if any of you have them, or even designated places in your garden for prayer, would you share here with me? Or you may tree-mail me too.

I love that idea, Becky. How wonderful. Will be watching this thread as it progresses. for sharing it. Hoping the rest of your spring activities go smoothly

You just gave me a great idea Becky - I love the idea of putting friends names on rocks and then when I run across them, say a prayer for them.

I'm hoping there are people who have a story to tell about their prayer gardens. Maybe this isn't the place to ask, but we'll see.

I can visualize your prayer garden and it sounds lovely. The rock idea is great as the whole garden does. I'm sure you miss it

I have what I call is my "love" garden and I certainly pray there and have wonderful thoughts. The garden has been with me for decades, I have moved it several times. Every plant in it came from special family members and friends. I have special lawn ornaments given and/or made by friends
I am in the process of moving it one last time but when it is all moved to the new place, I promise to post pix

Can't wait to see your photo's Jolana

Becky,
We are working on it right now. Chatting a few weeks back with folks on the iris forum ..I think would be great for the paths. Have to wait for those until the hardscape in. The area has been identified with fencing. I have been planning a long time...limited only by my tendency to forget that Less IS More and also the fact that I have no talent!

I have collected crosses over the years..I found photos of two. My cousin Flo loved the sea and Americana ..and so the iron cross reminded me of her..my mom prayed a great deal to Mary, hence the other. I havea cross fashioned from the aluminum ( cut in squares to clad the outside) of beer cans..in silvers and blues -- like the sea for my FIL who drank too much and was a sailor... So all the crosses are special. I wanted a solid fence to paint with sky and clouds for a backdrop for my hanging crosses....(not tacky just a gentle wash ) but DH installed hemlock rail fencing there. The photo of the fence ( not mine ) shows how perhaps I can hang those....I planted a pretty speckled leaf elm and the garden bench is in position next to it. My beloved Rosie and Raggs cremains will bein the garden and for them there is the saint francis. I made a headstone for raggs..in it I sank pearls aroind a square of glass with her photo behind it..the pearls held up but the photo slowly faded...I still like it tho. My plan is to find deer resistant flowers, grasses, shrubs with meaningful names for the area around Saint Francis. I would also like a spiral garden ( I started a thread a week or so ago if anyone wants to post ) in the center ..as it all comes along...I will post photos. You have a great idea for a thread.

These photos are not very good but it is what I have in the iPad. ..the iron " family " ( made from tobacco warehouse iron flooring ) will sit at the entrance. St. Francis will have his own " patch " of grass FOR deer and a small birdbath..for the critters..it is only fitting..the piled stone is a votive holder...the tall disk structure is a chime/ gong. Chimes can be heard in that area that are already set up. Also running water from the pondless stream.

The bench was designed and made by a friend who has passed from cancer.. He was too young and so that is very special and his name was Francis. The flagstone path(one) is in and will meet with the other one under construction.

I am going to use crockery that loved ones have given me to make a stepping stone or something for the garden. Also plan some small stone gravel work for a little zen garden spot. I am also collecting some gentle chimes. There will be glass in there also..and a small sunken ( very small ) gazing pool (rubbermade pot basically) sunk in the zen gravel area. I have snakes and so that will not be more than 24 inches.

I am full of ideas and I will definitely have to edit myself.
I think the names on the stones idea is GREAT
I thought I would make flower plates ( on rebar ) with some costume jewelry and watch faces and such attached to the " face " from findings that I have from my family.
CLEARLY..I need to edit so the area will be a place of reflection and not confusion. I anticipate I age that this area will be the one I kerp up and so planting will just be in the paths and the majority hardscape.

Welcome all ideas. Even tho I need to EDIT!

Rosie those pix are so lovely!

Jolana, with Vicki! Looking forward to seeing it.

Rosie, you're making me giggle. Yes, less is more so you're not distracted, but soothing to your soul. My prayer garden was long and narrow... I had to walk the whole area to water and pray. You have some special pieces...especially the bench.

Well... Not to be disrespectful to those that have passed on...but I do NOT want my garden to be a "HOT" mess.... My family had enough ' risk' factors ...I am trying to PRAY them into heaven..." HOT" is not what we want!

Very nice Rosie -

Rosie, you've got some great pieces, and wonderful ideas! It's going to be beautiful!

I have been thinking about it a long time. Losing my brother recently gave me the push I needed.

Rosie

That is going to be beautiful Rosie.

My memorial garden for my mom is my Prayer Garden. I am the baby of the family and she was always saying she had to pray for me. I was the handful kid.

In her later years she went to the senior activity classes and she made a stepping stone and gave it to me. I put it in the area with a bench and some hosta plants. By the stone I planted Hosta Praying Hands, and I planted a Hosta Hanky Panky to be me standing behind her. I have some of the flowers and plants that were in her garden in the area and I found a concrete bible.

Cinta said:That is going to be beautiful Rosie.

My memorial garden for my mom is my Prayer Garden. I am the baby of the family and she was always saying she had to pray for me. I was the handful kid.

In her later years she went to the senior activity classes and she made a stepping stone and gave it to me. I put it in the area with a bench and some hosta plants. By the stone I planted Hosta Praying Hands, and I planted a Hosta Hanky Panky to be me standing behind her. I have some of the flowers and plants that were in her garden in the area and I found a concrete bible.

I love it! Your hosta names are perfect!
I bought ( jumping ahead of the hardscape.) a butterfly bush.." Heavenly Blue "


PS. I think you should have put the hanky panky in the FRONT ..where the Praying Hands could keep an eye on it 😊

Cinta - What a sweet and memorable prayer garden

I love that, Cinta!

Thank you. It is a place of peace and I can pray there and know she is still praying for me.

Coming along. Compost and soil tilled in beds along path. Lava rock in. Sod in. Mulch in. Flagstone completed.

Plantings scheduled for fall.
A lot of work and it has been getting really hot...and buggy. Mosquitos are horrid.
Coming along...slowly...