A Garden to Kvell Over
Almost every day Judy and I drive by the garden of the Jewish Reconstructionist Congregation of Evanston. Today we decided to walk the mile from our house to give it a closer look. This garden was created when the congregation rebuilt their old synagogue so as to meet the highest certification standards of the US Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program.
The garden utilizes predominantly native plants and a minimum of inputs. Lying between Dodge Avenue and the west side of the synagogue, it is mostly in full sun, though there are two sizeable redbud trees (Cercis canadensis). (Speaking of sun, the day was quite overcast and less than ideal for taking pictures.)
In mid-summer, the garden’s most visually dominant plant is wild bergamot (Monarda fistulosa). Yellow and purple coneflower (Ratibida pinnata and Echinacea purpurea) and nodding onion (Allium cernuum) were also much in evidence. Not 100% sure about the Allium ID, though.
The whole place was buzzing with bees when we were there, and we also saw two Monarch butterflies.
The clumps of wild bergamot seemed remarkably upright, and didn’t seem to be suffering from the dry weather we’ve been having lately.
There were swathes of wild onion, though mostly not yet in bloom.
There were a few exceptions, though. I keep meaning to put some of this Allium into my garden.
On the other hand, I have lots of wild bergamot and yellow coneflower, so when I see them in a garden it’s like running into old friends.
Extensive use of recycled construction materials is a requirement for the LEED certification.
A path wanders through the garden, allowing a closer look.
There are also a couple of benches for kibitzing or contemplation.
On its website, the congregation notes the religious basis for environmental stewardship, including this quote from Ecclesiastes: “God led Adam around the Garden of Eden and said, ‘Look at My works. See how beautiful they are, how excellent. See to it that you do not spoil or destroy My world – for if you do, there will be no one to repair it after you’.
Neither Judy or I are religious people (my family is Jewish, hers is Lutheran), but I find it encouraging when people of any faith recognize that environmental sanity is a moral and practical imperative. Aside from that, it’s always good to find a congregation with a more exciting and creative approach to landscaping their own small piece of the earth.
gardeninacity 
Wow I didn’t know this was here. Thanks so much for posting this. I’m long overdue to visit Evanston, I guess (it’s been since high school pretty much and I won’t say how long ago that was). …I was at Beth Emet on Sundays when I was in grade school. …I really have to get some wild bergamot in my yard. Like the alliums too.
Wild bergamot is a great plant.
There sure are a lot of interesting construction ideas there and the plantings really fill the space with a restful, naturalistic feel. I’ve got the allium, but now I think I need the yellow coneflower too!
I recommend the yellow coneflower. Masses of the lavender bergamot does create a restful feel, but also abundant when in masses.
What a refreshing and attractive piece of landscaping! It must be so heartening to see this on a daily basis. Kudos to this congregation for their stewardship of the land.
I agree!
I like this little garden a lot, and also the quotatation which is so true. I also have the nodding onion a few places, The wild bergamot looks lovely.
I think the wild bergamot would do well in your garden. It does not spread as much or need as much water as bee balm.
What wonderful planting to have around any building, but particularly suitable for a place of worship if you think about. A celebration of “creation”, though that’s not a concept i embrace personally. Wonder why I never see anything like it over here.
I’m not aware of any other congregations around here – of any faith – who have done this.
This is a beautiful garden and it warms the very large place of worship. Love the quotation. 🙂
Funny that quote from Ecclesiastes isn’t better known. Has a more specific message than “A time to live, a time to die…”
It looks like a really well thought out garden. The result is attractive.
I think so, too.
LOVE it!
Glad to hear it.
We generally refer to it as Nodding Wild Onion, but that is indeed what it is. It makes a lovely garden addition. I like to combine it with Wild Petunia (Ruellia humilis) as an edging to a garden, particularly along a sidewalk.
What a spectacular garden and how appropriate. Thanks for sharing!
I like the very green, grassy leaves.
Very nice choice of plants!
The wild bergamot really shines at this time of year.
Nice post. Good to give JRC the publicity they deserve.
This is a branch of Judaism few people are aware of.
Hi Jason, that’s a very modern looking building and the garden too has a contemporary feel, which is softened by the natural style planting, I really like it, definitely a garden to relax, pause and reflect in.
The exterior of the building is very striking and very different, I think I like it.
Hi Jason, I was intrigued by the word kibitzing, so just googled that, its good to learn new words and to visit new gardens through others eyes. Thank you for sharing.
You’re welcome! Kibitz is an expressive and useful word.
It’s a wonderful garden
Looks good from the road and up close.
Hooray for the use of natives. I’d bet that it’s a very low maintenance garden.
Looks like it, though I think they could use some more grasses to fill in.
That’s a beautiful garden, Jason and Judy! The Wild Bergamot must smell wonderful, too! I agree with you 100% on your last few sentences. And the Ecclesiastes verse is one that more people should think about. I don’t know how a person can be of faith and waste the earth with a clear conscience. None of us are perfect, but stewardship seems like an important goal. If we all included stewardship in our personal sets of values, the world would be a much better place.
I agree, Sad that more people won’t see that.
What a beautiful garden. I love how it is so integrated into the space, making it all part of the experience for both the congregation and the visitors.
I think it somehow goes with the building so much better than a lawn would.
I think it is wonderful that they have created such a sanctuary here! And their use of natives is magnificent! Well worth the walk and I think this is the perfect example of unity between the building and the garden! Just stunning as are those photos!!! Nicole
It’s hard to explain, but you’re exactly right, there is a unity between the garden and building.
Wonderful post because it’s just interesting to see church gardens. (There was a beautiful Catholic church garden in my city’s garden tour this year.) I really like what you said about yellow coneflowers being like ‘old friends’. That’s how I feel about perennials and how we only get to see them once a year.
Have a great day.
True, it’s like a reunion every year.
What a delightful planting…I would love to see more plantings like here in Portland…it must be balm for a weary soul to walk past it 🙂
Hey Scott, I just found two of your comments in my spam folder – sorry about that! Anyhow, yes – it is always a pleasure to pass the JRC garden.
How lovely, and like you say good to see a little earth being put to good use. I love the wall of re-cycled bricks too.xxx
It actually looks good, doesn’t it?
Lovely to see a new building with a fully landscaped surrounding. Not to mention one that works with the climate and includes native plants. I don’t know I’ve ever seen a church bother with any flowers at all.
This is the only one that I know of in our area.
This is awesome! I love that it doesn’t have a lawn fronted by a row of green meatballs. Talk about putting your money where your mouth is! Simply fabulous. 🙂
I agree! Also, I don’t think green meatballs are kosher.
Nice, naturalistic planting.
what a fabulous uplifting garden…