Spiritual Gardening: Creating Sacred Space Outdoors

by Peg Streep, John Glover (Photographer)

A photographic celebration of the garden as a sacred place, focusing on ten gardens with spiritual and meditational themes. More than 150 full-color photographs.

Genres: Gardening, Spirituality, Nonfiction, Reference, Art

192 pages, Hardcover

First published September 24, 1999

Reviews

[Tami · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have a little garden sanctuary where I like to puddle about, meditate, read, or contemplate. This little spot evolved over the years as I changed and grew. There have been some major renovations as well as some small detail tweaking. Still, I felt that there was something not quite right about my little garden. Something was missing so when I saw the book Spiritual Gardening, I had to pick it up.

Spiritual Gardening is a multi-faceted book that every gardener will find useful. There are ready made layouts for a variety of different feels ranging from traditional gardens to more flexible designs. Not only are these designs explained in a physical form but the author also looks to the symbolic and sacred meaning behind the various elements and how they combine into one coherent picture. This connects the reader naturally to other sections of the book that look specifically at symbolism of color, space, and texture.

Throughout the book there are also colorful pictures of various garden designs, elements, and plants. Looking at these photographs really starts to spark the imagination and bring that personal sacred space to life. I can't wait for spring. I can clearly see my little sanctuary now and am eager to make a few modifications.

[Danni · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a book for the winter months. It's a delight to flip through the pages and see green, growing plants on every page. When you are seeking new inspiration, this is the gardening book to read. The author does a marvelous job of describing different ways to garden in a sacred way without too much navel gazing. 

Ten gardens are featured in this book. Readers are gifted beautiful photographs and detailed descriptions that will inspire small to large changes in your own garden. Those who know me will not be surprised to learn that the Gaia Garden was my favorite. Wildflowers were sown to restore the land. Perennial berry plants and trees provide for wildlife and humans. Plus community and family plays a pivotal point in the design of this garden.  

There is a bit more detail on the HOW to garden this way than Cultivating Sacred Space by Elizbeth Murray. Peg Streep clearly shows that she gardens in a spiritual manner. Her connection to plants and the land oozes out of her writing. She expresses how one can make decisions in the gardening process that puts the spiritual front and center. 

For garden lovers, this is a fantastic purchase. For those just looking to explore and feel inspired then make sure you grab a copy from the library. It will soothe the soul this winter when you are blanketed in snow and cold! 

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed how it was broken down into chapters of spirituality (Buddhism, Celtic,Gaia, Zen etc) and in chapters on labyrinths, aromatherapy, Feng Shui, healing. Nicely complimented with color photographs, tips and some history. A keeper/

[Bonnie Westmark · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve implemented several ideas from this book. My garden was just chosen today to be on the 2022 Puyallup Garden Tour, so I plan to do some expanding. My entire space is dedicated to Mary, and although the garden itself is a healing, sacred, meditative place for contemplative prayer, each section takes on a different meaning. This book gave me the idea to create an aromatherapy garden around my teahouse, and to add a larger water feature using stones. Each chapter was full of inspiration and beautiful pictures. Out of all the garden books I’ve read this summer, this was my favorite. It really describes how I feel about gardening. Time in my garden is sacred, even working and watering are prayers. As I tend my garden, I’m tending my soul by spending time being present to God and aware of all the gifts we’ve been given in nature. This book was a reminder of that and so much more.

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Yes, I read the whole book. Lots of interesting information on gardens, not only for their beauty, but also for their designs as spirital and soulful sanctuaries. Gardening brings one closer to nature and the natural processes of life. It involves a certain amount of dedication and commitment to the earth and all its inhabitants.
This book provides information on the many types of spirital gardens as well as great photos. My favourites being: The Tranquility Garden, The Zen Garden, The aromatherapy Garden, and The Labyrinth Garden.

"The garden can become a place where we can restore our emotional and spiritual balance and nourish our senses and souls, away from the noise of everyday life."

Gardens can be sanctuaries that permit you "...to step away from the world, and allow us to enjoy the bounties of earth and heaven."

[Dottie Suggs · Rating 3 out of 5]

interesting photos and a number of tidbits. the labyrinth chapter was very good and also the Celtic garden chapter.

[Sofia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really found this inspiring, and will consult it regularly as I build my spiritual outdoor spaces

[Sharen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully presented and very helpful in planning a special garden.

[Anjie Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book that teaches you that a sacred space can easily be achieved in an outdoor space. It then gives wonderful examples on different types of spiritual gardens and how to created these spaces. I very strongly recommend this book to EVERYONE that has any kind of spiritual ties to the Great Outdoors.

[Susan Beecher · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is about different types of gardens aimed at the spiritual. It isn't exactly what I expected, which was more of a book with lots of examples of gardens that are spiritual retreat spaces.

[Marina]

NMT GRO