A Walk Among Flowers

Labyrinth gardens offer a path to peacefulness

- By Amy Grisak

In times of uncertainty, many of us find our refuge in the garden. Labyrinth gardens go a step further, combining the peaceful beauty of favorite plants with an ancient design that facilitates walking meditation.

"Labyrinths go back 4,000 to 6,000 years," explained Lars Howlett. A master builder at Discover Labyrinths, he brings labyrinths to people throughout the world. Unlike a maze that creates dead ends, a labyrinth is a series of pathways that take a person on a mindful journey to the center and then back out to the starting point.

"It's a long, winding path. The labyrinth is trying to take you in a long, convoluted journey. It's a sacred time and space," said Howlett. "Stepping into the labyrinth is stepping out of the everyday."

FIRST STEPS

My introduction to labyrinths began more than 25 years ago when I learned of a new garden in Lewistown, Mont. At that time, I lived on the other side of the state and never ventured to see it in person. But while spending time in Lewistown clipping fish fins at the hatchery last May (which is a totally different story!), I broke away to visit the garden for the first time. I kicked myself for not doing so decades sooner.

Nadine Robertson, the hardworking caretaker of the Lewistown Community Labyrinth Garden, was weeding and hauling mulch to top-dress the beds. Reluctant to disturb her work, I initially hesitated entering, but I found I couldn't resist following the pathway. I marveled in the plants and care taken to create such a beautiful space. Stretching 90 feet in diameter and surrounded by a stately black fence to dissuade the park's voracious deer, the garden put on an impressive display of lush green foliage and spring flowers.