Taft Labyrinth
As we continue to grow, we want more people to see and experience Taft Gardens & Nature Preserve as a sanctuary—a place for spiritual connection, quiet reflection, and inner exploration. Our Labyrinth is a literal and metaphorical step in that direction.
THE LABYRINTH’S STORY
Completed in May 2022, the Taft Labyrinth was designed by Lars Howlett of DiscoverLabyrinths.com, who drew inspiration from the 4,000-year-old history of these archetypal designs. We agreed on a variation of the classical labyrinth known as the Baltic Wheel, which originated in Germany and is often found in forests. Our Labrynth sits under a grand oak tree, mirroring its shadow. The design allows for a one-way processional walk or a traditional journey retracing the path from the center, offering a space for meditation, prayer, and stress reduction.
BUILT WITH INTENTION
The Labyrinth’s creation is deeply personal to the Taft family, staff, and community. Located next to the Pollinator Garden, its construction was a collaborative effort. Everyone involved, including John Taft, laid stones with the intention of love, connection, and passing on intergenerational wisdom. Half of the stones were sourced directly from the grounds, with the rest obtained from local quarries and riverbeds. Interspersed throughout the design are gorgeous Mexican onyx crystals discovered by Nita van der Werff, a Taft supporter and visionary for the labyrinth. These crystals are believed to enhance the energy of the space.
MISSION DRIVEN
The labyrinth is an integral part of our mission to help visitors deepen their connection with themselves and the natural world.
"Taft is so much more than just a garden; it's a place where you can commune with Nature, embrace its beauty, and allow the natural world to heal you," said Jaide Whitman, steward of Taft Gardens and CEO/President of the Conservation Endowment Fund. "The labyrinth symbolizes the process we undergo when we exit our minds and enter the healing that Nature offers."
At Taft Gardens & Nature Preserve, we believe our land is more than a garden—it's a sanctuary for spiritual connection and inner exploration. This stone Labyrinth is a profound step in making that vision a reality.