Wednesday, March 5, 2014

Long Island Peace Labyrinth and Memorial Garden

landscaping idea
Sayville Peace Labyrinth & Memorial Garden

One of my favorite places to visit in my hometown of Sayville, Long Island, New York is a beautifully designed and laid out Peace Labyrinth and Memorial Garden which was constructed in 2003 as a memorial for the victims of September 11, 2001.  The labyrinth and community gardens are located on the Common Ground in Gillette Park on Candee Avenue in the town of Sayville on the south shore of Long Island.  
Sayville Peace Labyrinth Constructed 2003
The labyrinth was designed,laid out and financed by Marianne Fulfaro as a dedication to her parents, Carlo and Carmela Annunziato.  It is designed after a seven circuit Middle Ages Mini-Chartres design and it constructed of paving stones with red gravel as the pathways leading to the center. Along the garden pathways are etched memorial paver stones, benches and mosaics. Visitors can walk the labyrinth, meditate, pray or just enjoy the peaceful gardens.
Sayville Peace Labyrinth & Memorial Garden
The gardens leading to the labyrinth were created through voluntary efforts, donations from community members, grants and support from the Town of Islip.   They are maintained through the loving hands of Master Gardener Nancy Angermaier and community volunteers.  The grounds of the Common Ground are especially lovely near the end of the summer when sprays of Rudbeckia (Black Eyed Susan), Echinacea (Coneflower), Sedum, Crape Myrtle, Butterfly Bush and Fountain Grasses grace the landscape.
Rudbeckia (Black Eyed Susan) and Ornamental Grasses
For additional interest a number of colorful evergreen and deciduous shrubs such as Montgomery Globe Spruce and Barberry also grace these gardens.  Along the benches one can also admire Stachys (Lambs Ear) and Coreopsis. A Butterfly Bush (seen in the backdrop) draws Monarchs and Swallowtails to the garden.
Swallowtail Butterfly on Butterfly Bush
A moment of peace and beauty...
The Pamela Raymond Performance Pavilion

This pavilion was designed and constructed as a common ground for community members to gather and appreciate the arts.  Residents of all ages gather here and enjoy the feeling of community and unity.
Montgomery Globe Blue Spruce (left), Rudbeckia, Sedum and Lambs Ear
I cannot seem to get enough of this lovely tribute.  It is a place I visit often and return to over and over again with loved ones to experience the warm and comforting feeling of a community that is truly joined by a garden. 
Butterfly Bush and Barberry
I am pleased that am able to share this lovely place with my readers for its true beauty is not only in the gardens but in the hands that were used to create it.  The plaque below says it all.
Sayville Peace Labyrinth & Memorial Garden
If you are ever in the Sayville area be sure to stop by to experience the Peace Labyrinth.  The Labyrinth and gardens are open to the public and there are full moon walks available throughout May to October.    Special memorial services are held on September 11th -weather permitting.

The Common Ground Memorial Service
September 11, 2012
7:00 pm – 8:30 pm




Hope you enjoyed the visit and As Always...Happy Gardening!


Author: Lee@A Guide To Northeastern Gardening, Copyright 2012. All rights reserved


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