Cultivating Sacred Space: Gardening for the Soul

by Elizabeth Murray

AN EXPLORATION OF HOW TO BRING THE SACRED INTO OUR LIVES THROUGH THE GARDEN

Genres: Gardening, Nonfiction, Spirituality

160 pages, Hardcover

First published August 1, 1997

Reviews

[Juli Anna · Rating 2 out of 5]

A little more personal-narrative-y than I wanted, and a sad story at that! While I found Murray's prose lyrical, I thought the organization of this book was lacking and I ended up wondering, "what's the point?" This was neither a practical guide on how to cultivate a sacred garden nor a memoir, and it missed the boat for me.

[Danni · Rating 3 out of 5]

The author uses her life's story of finding love, gardening, and losing love as the backdrop to an introduction to what makes a garden spiritual. There are some lovely photos and beautiful personal moments in this book. I think for those looking to experience the gardening process through someone else, this will be a delightful read. For those looking for more concrete examples and processes, it will fall short. 

I think I enjoyed the twelve garden examples the most. There were some unique ideas in these gardens that inspired my own plans for my gardens. It was also the section of the book that provided the most "meat" in content. I do wish that they had some larger photos of the gardens to help build context for the elements described. 

This won't be a book that I keep on my shelf. I'll keep it until I find the right person to pass it along to. I'd suggest checking the library first before purchasing this one. 

[Bonnie Westmark · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a beautiful book, a love story describing the love she shared with her husband and the love they shared together with their garden. It was a very touching, heart warming read. I enjoyed her descriptions of sharing her garden with others and all the beautiful gardens she describes and takes us through. I agree that “caring for our garden is caring for our soul.” A transformation definitely takes place within when we are transforming our piece of earth into a “sacred space.” Garden work is soul work. The words and pictures in this book are beautiful. It will give you ideas on how to create a meaningful place to pray and be and rejuvenate. The author describes how the garden can be a healing place as it was for her husband and then for her as she grieved. My garden has helped me transform my tears for the death of my mom into love for others, so I found her personal story to be inspiring and hopeful. It shows that our gardens can be places of healing and renewal.

[John]

Didn’t finish. Picked up for free. Thought I would try something different, but not really feeling it after getting through the first 1/4 or so. May come back sometime.

[Carole Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book just for the pictures alone. I could see myself walking or sitting in any of these gardens. This book sits on my coffee table just as a reminder of how I need to get out and do more in my own garden. The book shows other beautiful gardens to visit around the world where you could be "cultivating serenity". Elizabeth Murray is fond of Monet's garden in Giverny. She highlights at the end of the book the garden that she and her late husband, Gerald, developed and were married in. The book is also divided into seasonal chapters that highlight the pleasures of gardening through the seasons.

[Signe · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my favorite gardening book ever. The author looks at the garden in art, goes into great depth on symbolism relevant to garden spaces, and shares private and public gardens that she has been touched by from around the world. On top of all this, she talks about the evolution of her own garden and how it has been a sacred part of her own events and transitions. Very personal, poignant and inspiring.

[Daisy]

This is my new friend in real life.

[William · Rating 1 out of 5]

Completely devoid of usable content.