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The Monastery at New Skete - Underway

What was there?
A sloped property with concrete steps leading up to the chapel
What was the problem?
Shoveling the 16 ft. wide steps many times each winter had become too arduous.
Click the images below to enlarge
 

before - no useable space

after - the Welcome and Meditation Gardens

The Monks commissioned me to design a new entry to the chapel that could be snow-blown.


What struck me about the property was that there was nowhere to sit or walk or enjoy being outside,
though the atmosphere there is delightfully peaceful and the setting completely remote.


Most of the construction is done. More plantings are needed.

 

Above left - the hillside before - above right - new terracing, two pools and a waterfall

 

"Even in the first stages of completion, the garden is working as envisioned. Visitors and guests naturally gravitate to it to read and enjoy the sound of the waterfall or simply to be still and appreciate the peace and beauty of the surroundings you have created. Even with proprietary oversight, I very much delight in checking on the fish and finding time for myself to sit and absorb the peace.

We have used the space for several liturgical celebrations and look forward to next Spring when the planting can continue."

Brother Stavros Winner