More Thoughts on The Labyrinth

I found this labyrinth pattern and think I may like it even better.  It gives me a feeling of the path having a few more turns, and maybe not so straight and accessible -- kind of like the way my life works.  I like that.

And I've seen some garden path pictures that are pretty close to how I want to construct the footpath of the Labyrinth. 

This has a nice look to it.  Very organic, and alive.  I'm thinking I could also plant some herbs along the path, to bring in some wonderful smells.  Rosemary does really well in our yard all year long.                 

I don't know if I want to plant a tree in the middle, if I do, I think I'd want it to be taller and have the bench under it.  Again, I like the organic, growing sense of this one.  I think I'd use some flowering plants too, since we can usually have color all year long.

These garden labyrinths are also very lovely.  I have a bit more shade, and again I feel pretty sure I want more color ... more plant materials in the pathway markers.  I think I'll also add some small seating around.

This is the Labyrinth at The Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island.  I think the picture is from when it was first built, which was quite a while ago.  I like the way the stones are in the earth as if they have been there forever.  When we were there two years ago there was a lot of mossy growth on the stones, and it looked even more alive. 

 

 So these pictures give a bit of an idea of where I'm headed.  I know my project won't be an exact copy, but it's the essence or feel of the garden space I'm going for.  

 

This week the spray paint comes out!  And I go look for rocks! 

Building a Labyrinth

 

Classic 7 Circuit Labyrinth

After much research, I've decided on this as the Labyrinth style I'm going to create in my yard.  However, rather than paved or canvas or mown-grass paths, I'm going to build garden paths.  I have this picture in my head, and I'm going to see if I can bring it to life.

This is the area of my yard where it will go.  This shot is looking west at the remains of our personal "ruin" - it was a Pergola built years ago to showcase some gorgeous Wisteria, however the Wisteria grew massive arms of tremendous strength and tore off the roof of the Pergola without ever blooming!  Not a single purple flower!  So now we have a ruin.  We're going to lay some branches across the top and make a kind of temporary thatch for the roof, and turn it into a meditation spot.  And, from the east entrance one will enter the Labyrinth.

From inside the Pergola this is the space.  From the entrance to the other side is 21 paces (my paces - hey, it's MY Labyrinth) and then 22 paces across.  I suppose I'll measure that to know, but this is the size.

 

To the south from the entrance.

 

To the north from the entrance.

I think I'll plant some evergreens to screen the house a bit.

So, there it is.

The idea is hatched.

The seed is planted.