It offers an escape from everyday stress and is a place of purity and contemplation. Every element that went into the garden has a meaning, along with the careful arrangement and use of natural and unobtrusive materials.

Enter through the torii gate, an iconic Japanese gateway, traditionally marking the division between the physical and spiritual worlds. The open fencing signifies boundaries, but the openness of the fence is to see beyond set limits. There are three sentinel stones in the garden and they represent the past, present and future journeys of our lives. Decorative stone form the skeletal structure of the garden and the contour of the “sand” gravel represents the sea of life. The course wide rake is used to create the effect of “waves” as the person using the rake reflects on their life. Water represents the lifeblood of the garden. The rain curtain symbolizes purity and cleanliness of mind, body and spirit, the cornerstones of the Hope Grows’ mission. The pillar of fire symbolizes passion and excitement, as well as, comfort and help.

The Zen Garden prefers the delicate balance of non-symmetry in plantings. This garden showcases Japanese maple trees, lilacs, beauty berry bushes (fall blooming), and hinoki cypress trees. Take a moment of time to rake a path in the sand before leaving.