queenswood grounds

The Mary Garden

The Mary Garden is based on a Medieval horticultural and religious practice.  As devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary (the mother of Jesus) became popular among Medieval Christians, many varieties of flowers, herbs, and plants that were known for their health benefits were named for her and her virtues.  They were set aside in special gardens called Mary Gardens as a way of studying and cultivating their health benefits, as well as promoting devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary.  The first written record of this tradition mentions a Mary Garden that was built alongside a hospice as a way to care for the sick and infirm.  

Nowadays, Mary Gardens are grown for many reasons.  Zen meditation groups at Queenswood use the Mary Garden and its gravel paths for walking meditations.  Other groups use the Mary Garden for liturgies and religious celebrations.  And others love the Mary Garden simply for its natural beauty, peace, and calm.

The Labyrinth

Labyrinths are at least 4,000 years old.  In antiquity, labyrinths were used as meditative tools that symbolized the movement of the stars and seasons.  As Christianity developed in the Medieval period, poor Christians who couldn't afford to make long pilgrimages used labyrinths to symbolize their journeys.  Many other cultures and traditions have used labyrinths in other ways as well.  Nowadays, labyrinths are popular additions to hospitals, parks, and churches.  They've come to symbolize the journey of our lives and our need for the sacred (symbolized by the centre of the labyrinth), whether that's our innermost self, the divine, the universe, etc.

We're extremely grateful for the way that Queenswood volunteers share their gifts.  The labyrinth was built by a team of volunteers in 2001, and is just one example of their generosity and kindness.

In the virtual tour below, direct your mouse to the ground to see the labyrinth.

The Beach

There are 4 separate beaches within close walking distance from Queenswood.  The view of an expanse of ocean is breathtaking.  Many guests enjoy taking daily walks to their favourite beach, making it a regular part of their spiritual practice while on retreat.