A Peaceful Garden: Harmonizing Nature and History with Eco-Friendly Design

  • The naturalistic garden at the entrance of the Chapel of Peace.

RE-NATU-RING Principles Applied

Chapel of Peace entrance garden

  • The gardens reinforce the historic character of the Chapel of Peace, creating a landscape where architecture, history, and nature come together in a setting that is unique to Laurel Hill. The design strengthens the identity of this special place while offering visitors an authentic and memorable experience.

  • More than 2,000 native plants replaced traditional turf, transforming the gardens into a vibrant pollinator habitat that supports biodiversity while providing four seasons of beauty. The planting design demonstrates that memorial landscapes can be both ecologically rich and visually inspiring.

  • The gardens were designed to support reflection, remembrance, and gathering. Comfortable seating, seasonal planting, and carefully framed views create an environment where visitors can pause, connect with nature, and commemorate loved ones in a peaceful setting.

  • Shade garden below magnolia

  • Mausoleum prior to the garden implementation

    Mausoleum prior to the garden improvements

  • Chapel side entrance
  • Overview of the Mausoleum of Peace Garden
  • New garden path and plantings
  • Chapel seating area
  • Penstemon blooming in spring
  • Gregg Tepper, senior horticulturist at Laurel Hill, discussing garden maintenance strategies with students
  • Rudbeckia subtomentosa 'Little Henry' and Panicum virgatum 'Shenandoah'
  • Entry rock garden
  • Penstemon digitalis 'Blackbeard' andTradescantia x 'Sweet Kate'
  • Lovely late summer combination: Acanthus, Panicum, Rudbeckia, Heliopsis