Originally the site of Bishop Lamy’s garden, project was carefully designed to renew and augment the contemplative richness of the space, and to complement Gib Singleton’s beautiful life-size sculptures.

The patron saint of Santa Fe, Saint Francis of Assisi, began the devotion to the Stations of the Cross, and with these sculptures, the garden becomes a sanctuary for that devotion. The organic movement of the pathway represents the meandering nature of devotees’ own spiritual journeys. The desert that Jesus passed through on His way to Calvary is felt in the dryness of the pathway, which narrows and moves slightly downward before reaching Simon the Cyrene. With Simon’s help, the subsequent assent is possible under the crushing weight of the cross.

For this space, the plants selected are species that thrive in Santa Fe’s semi-arid region. Some also have usefulness or Biblical significance. Culinary herbs, such as oregano, sage and thyme compliment Bishop Lamy’s mint patches, while medicinal plants such as yarrow and echinacea provide healing of wounds and sickness.  Bleeding hearts are traditionally placed around the Blessed Mother, and agastache, or wild hyssop, recalls the hyssop reed touching the lips of Jesus while He was on the Cross.  Grapes epitomize the fruit crushed to become the enduring drink, and a water fountain quenches thirst.

The path is also, itself, a complete Rosary, making the garden a place to honor Catholic devotion to the Blessed Mother Mary. It was constructed to be more accessible and comfortable for visitors of all ages.  The hope is that this design for Bishop Lamy’s garden provides a place for meditative prayer and peaceful reflection for all.

Location: Santa Fe, NM
Project Status: Completed in 2010