Spiritual Gardens
Spiritual Gardens examines gardens that were created specifically for spiritual reasons; gardens where the people who use the garden and the people who work in the garden gain far more than just the experience of creating a beautiful or bountiful place. They are taken to a space where they undergo a metamorphosis that leaves them spiritually changed just by spending time in the garden. The series looks at how the originators and gardeners went about creating these special places. The thought processes behind the gardens; the choice of plants and the affect of the layout. Viewers will see how the design transforms not just the gardener but the people who use the gardens as places of rest, relaxation and mental and spiritual growth. We look at what makes the gardens work, what makes the garden outlast its creators and what the gardeners derived from the simple act of creating the gardens. Most of all, we try to find out why the gardens were created, what the creators hoped to get from it and the qualities of human nature that find expression and fulfillment in the place and activity of gardening.
- 2007-2007
- 1 season
- Multicom Entertainment Group
- Documentary
- TV-G
Spiritual Gardens examines gardens that were created specifically for spiritual reasons; gardens where the people who use the garden and the people who work in the garden gain far more than just the experience of creating a beautiful or bountiful place. They are taken to a space where they undergo a metamorphosis that leaves them spiritually changed just by spending time in the garden. The series looks at how the originators and gardeners went about creating these special places. The thought processes behind the gardens; the choice of plants and the affect of the layout. Viewers will see how the design transforms not just the gardener but the people who use the gardens as places of rest, relaxation and mental and spiritual growth. We look at what makes the gardens work, what makes the garden outlast its creators and what the gardeners derived from the simple act of creating the gardens. Most of all, we try to find out why the gardens were created, what the creators hoped to get from it and the qualities of human nature that find expression and fulfillment in the place and activity of gardening.
Season 1 Episode Guide
13 Episodes 2007
Episode 1
The David G. Porter Memorial Garden
23 mins
Grahame heads to Guelph to visit the David G. Porter Memorial Japanese Garden. Described as "the Great within the Small", this beautiful Zen garden provides a sense of balance which helps to block out the world and find an inner peace.
Episode 2
First Unitarian Congregation Meditation Garden
23 mins
Grahame finds peace and sanctuary amongst the unique mix of flowers and plants at the First Unitarian Congregation Meditation Garden in Ottawa.
Episode 3
Aids Memorial Garden
23 mins
Grahame visits the AIDS Memorial Garden in Toronto's Cawthra Square Park. where a series of concrete memorials nestle among the plants and shrubs.
Episode 4
Parkwood Hospital Therapeutic Rail Garden
23 mins
Grahame heads to the Parkwood Hospital in London where a unique courtyard garden is home to a model railway being used as a therapeutic tool to engage patients and residents.
Episode 5
Guelph Enabling Garden
23 mins
Grahame takes us to the Guelph Enabling Garden, specially designed for people of all abilities and ages to celebrate active connections one has with nature.
Episode 6
Martyrs' Shrine
23 mins
Grahame visits Midland's Marytrs' Shrine where centuries ago, eight missionaries died trying to convert natives to Christianity. Now 75 acres of gardens are home to shrines commemorating 40 different ethnic group's Catholic roots.
Episode 7
Cambridge Sculpture Garden
23 mins
Grahame heads to Cambridge to explore the sculpture garden, a space designed to bring art and nature together in a fully accessible public place.
Episode 8
Labyrinth Peace Garden
23 mins
The flowers that border the paths of the Labyrinth Peace Garden in Kincardine emerge in a rainbow of color, evoking subtle energies and inner wisdom. Join Grahame in his journey down this spiritual path.
Episode 9
Bereaved Families of Ontario Pembroke Memory Garden
23 mins
Grahame visits Pembroke's Bereaved Families of Ontario Memory Garden, where amongst beautiful flower beds and rosebushes, those grieving place markers to remember their loves ones.
Episode 10
Round Garden for the Blind
23 mins
Join Grahame in Perth at the Round Garden for the Blind. Designed for visually impaired and wheelchair-bound visitors, the garden's emphasis is on the visitors' sense of smell, sound and touch.
Episode 11
Earth Healing Herb Garden & Retreat Centre (Six Nations of Grand River)
23 mins
Grahame visits the Earth Healing Herb Garden & Retreat Centre at the Six Nations Reserve of Grand River. Here traditional herbalist Janice Longboat shares her gardens which were built based on the aboriginal concept of holistic healing.
Episode 12
Regional Treatment Centre Garden
Grahame is at The Regional Treatment Centre at Kingston Penitentiary where Aboriginal offenders plant a large garden that includes the traditional food's of their ancestors.
Episode 13
The Cosmic Bird Feeder (Bloorview Kids Rehab)
23 mins
Join Grahame as he learns about the Cosmic Bird Feeder program which brings together children, with and without special needs, to share creative and healing experiences in the garden.