A Peaceful Sanctuary:

Resting Places in a Woodland Garden, Sheltered by a Century-Old Oak

  • Rendering of the future garden with the new mausoleums.

RE-NATU-RING Principles Applied

Woodland sanctuary

  • The Woodland Sanctuary is much more than a planting project, it creates a distinctive destination within Laurel Hill where people experience remembrance through the landscape. The mature oak, woodland setting, and winding paths create an atmosphere that could not simply be replicated elsewhere.

    The landscape:

    • Builds on the history and character of Laurel Hill.

    • Creates a memorable identity rooted in the existing landscape.

    • Connects visitors emotionally with nature and remembrance.

    • Strengthens the unique character of the cemetery.

  • Rather than creating a formal memorial garden, the design embraces the existing woodland ecosystem beneath the century-old oak and allows the landscape to feel as though it naturally belongs there. The meandering paths, woodland plant communities, and naturalistic character reinforce ecological processes rather than imposing a highly formal design.

    The landscape:

    • Works with the existing woodland canopy.

    • Reinforces natural ecological succession.

    • Uses a naturalistic planting design.

    • Integrates architecture within the landscape rather than dominating it.

  • Everything, from the gentle paths to the placement of the columbaria, supports contemplation, accessibility, and quiet interaction with nature. The landscape is designed first as an experience rather than simply an arrangement of plants.

    The landcape:

    • Creates spaces for reflection.

    • Encourages walking and discovery.

    • Makes nature accessible.

    • Supports quiet gathering and remembrance.

  • A landscape scene featuring purple wildflowers in the foreground, large trees, stone bridge with arches, an old building with a gabled roof, and a cloudy sky.
  • Rendering of the future garden with the new mausoleum and cremation niche berms.
  • Rendering of the future garden with the new mausoleum and cremation niche berms.
  • Progress on Mausoleum, Niche Walls and Path
  • The new plantings in the shade garden.
  • The construction of the cremation rich walls and the planting of the garden.
  • Eagle spirit on site!
  • A garden bed with green leafy plants and purple flowers, surrounded by grass and soil.
  • A landscaped garden with a stone and concrete wall, purple flowers, various green plants, trees, and a paved pathway.
  • A garden bed with light purple and white flowers, surrounded by green grass and a large tree trunk on the right. In the background, there are stone structures, trees, and a cloudy sky.
  • A wooded park scene with tall trees, green foliage, and purple flowers on the ground, with sunlight filtering through the leaves.
  • A park with lush green trees, colorful flowers, and benches under a bright blue sky.
  • A garden scene showing purple flowers and green foliage, trees with thick trunks, a building in the background, and a blue sky.