GARDENS OF SERENITY
Chloe Si
Quiet Garden Movement - Gardens sharing outdoor space for well being and the inner journey.
The Quiet Garden Movement nurtures access to outdoor space for reflection in a variety of settings, such as private homes, churches, retreat centres, schools and hospitals – and creates opportunities for people to experience silence, restfulness and contemplative practices, with regular quiet days and retreats being offered in many Quiet Gardens.
There are over 300 Quiet Gardens worldwide. Those involved in the Quiet Garden Movement come from a variety of traditions, churches and cultures and as such they express their heritage in many diverse ways and welcome the diversity of fellow travellers on the journey. All are welcome to Quiet Gardens, to rest whatever spiritual path you follow.
Quiet Gardens vary widely in their size and situation, but at the core is the provision of outdoor space intentionally set aside for prayer, silence and refreshment. This can be a permanent space, such as in a church, retreat centre or school setting, or a provisional space set aside for a particular time, such as the use of gardens in private homes. A key feature is setting aside a sanctuary space and time for stillness and contemplation.
Quiet Gardens are enjoyed in solitude and with others, with some gardens being open as part of regular ‘quiet days’ and retreats and others by appointment only.
Categories of Quiet Gardens
There are two categories of Quiet Gardens:
Affiliate Quiet Garden Scheme is for those that have a garden they would like to open to the public as a quiet space, as well as for individuals who lead and organise retreats and quiet days in the outdoors.
Associate Quiet Gardens are usually within organisational settings such as schools, hospitals or community gardens. The host organisation may be unconnected to any faith tradition, but they recognise the value of the provision of space for quiet and stillness for their staff, clients and provision of space for quiet and stillness for their staff, clients and students.
These spaces are provided for refuge and quietude – and are usually without teaching from any particular faith tradition.
Chris Gallagher
Oscar Obians
Uniquely Quiet Gardens are a local initiative and resource for people from your area. They operate in a low-key way with low-costs and charges, and are situated in town and country.
Quiet Gardens are accessible, friendly and adaptable to local needs, and aim to be places where people can find welcome, stillness and spiritual reflection. The outdoor space and garden act as both a context and focus, in which to share the inner search for wholeness, natural beauty and silence, and in which ancient Christian wisdom and the contemplative tradition can be explored.
core values
The core values of Quiet Gardens include: Hospitality – the offer of a warm-hearted, simple welcome to all.
Quiet Gardens are places of hospitality, which is offered to all who wish to visit from any faith background or none.
Such hospitality draws on the deep wells of Christian spirituality and the monastic past as well as the gifts of the host team. In a home setting this may begin with listening to guests, before responding to individual needs whether those needs are a cup of coffee, a warm corner or a niche in the garden just to be.
Nature Connection – the opportunity to deepen our relationship with the natural world
Time in a Quiet Garden can be helpful for our health and well being, as well as our spiritual journey. Deep restfulness and refreshment within the beauty of creation can often take place, and there will be many opportunities for attentiveness and moments of wonder and transcendence to occur. All these restore body, mind and soul. Care for the environment creates balance for daily life and inspiration for compassionate activism. Time in a Quiet Garden enhances our relationship with the earth and encourages care for creation.
Creativity – the provision of quiet outdoor space to inspire
Quiet Gardens are often spaces designed with great creativity. They are hosted by creative people and groups and time spent in them allows moments of inspiration and creativity to come to the surface.
beliefs
The Movement honours what unites us and are enriched by our differences. Guided by past traditions, they are open to the freshness of the future. Creating intentional space for inner silence is important for everyone’s well being.
Time spent in the natural environment will inspire reflection and invigorate actions. Find a garden https://quietgarden.org/find-gardens/uk/
Tracey Hocking
“Quiet Gardens are a local initiative and resource for people from your area… they are accessible, friendly and adaptable to local needs and aim to be places where people can find welcome, stillness and spiritual reflection.”