Listening Garden

The Listening Garden welcomed visitors in the spring of 2024, on the west side of the Memorial Chapel and emphasizes the importance of spending thoughtful time outdoors and connecting with others. This garden invites us to slow down by encouraging conversation in seating areas throughout the garden. which features invitational language such as inspire, peace and hope, as well as decorative pergolas.

The garden beds are anchored with two southern magnolias (Magnolia grandiflora), and include coral honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens 'Major Wheeler') meandering their way up the arches, tulips in spring, as well as a boxwood hedge (Buxus 'SB300' NewGen Freedom®), Japanese maples (Acer palmatum), hostas, phlox, hellebores, ferns, and lambs-ear, smooth hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens), and several selections of Deutzia gracilis, 'Nikko' and 'Chardonnay Pearls'. Entry signage outside the Listening Garden encourages us: “Come let us LISTEN. With our open hearts and minds to one another, so our community may live not divided but in rich diversity.”

Read more here:

https://today.umd.edu/listening-garden-dedicated-at-memorial-chapel

https://stamp.umd.edu/visit/memorial_chapel/listening_garden

https://naturesacred.org/sacred_place/listening-garden-at-the-university-of-maryland/