Butterfly Labyrinth

Monarch Garden

San Pablo’s/Saint Paul’s Lutheran Church in the Phillips Neighborhood of Minneapolis approached us with a mission: a garden to unify the church and bring beauty to the neighborhood.

The migration of the Monarch butterfly is an important metaphor for many in the church, and a major theme was to create a place of rest for nature and humans alike.

Through design charettes and community meetings, the butterfly labyrinth idea was born. This garden would also help expand upon an existing native plant garden done the year before without disturbing it.

A two-part installation made sense, as there was some grading that had to be done to create a lower, more flat area for the labyrinth path and to create deeper garden soil in the areas of expansion.

Trusting the process was essential!

Volunteers were able to come out for the big planting day, a huge task that would have taken us 2 days to complete. Planting was done in less than an hour and a half! Many hands make light work.

Truly a collaborative and community effort from start to finish, we are excited to remain partners with San Pablo’s and continuing to expand this native ecosystem on the block.

Selected Photos:

Before: Several different visions competing for space and attention.
A unified garden plan incorporating native and pollinator plants (many specifically for Monarch butterflies) and a labyrinth in the shape of a butterfly wing. The edging of the entire garden mimics the playful flight path of a butterfly.
Labyrinth path process.
Path laid, now come the plants!
Native plants extend a garden planted the year before, while a raingarden and rain barrel manage water on site. Semilla Center for Healing and the Arts worked with youth to paint this beautiful mural!
The garden extends around the corner of the church, surrounding the building in a meaningful native planting.

Client:

Faith Community

Phillips, Minneapolis, MN

Project Start:

Fall 2024

Project Duration:

2-Part Install, Fall 2024-Spring 2025