Welcome to the Memorial Garden
In 2025, United Lutheran Church transformed its spacious north grounds into a welcoming memorial garden. Designed and planted by Leaf & Spade Garden Design of Oak Park, the naturalistic garden features native, drought-tolerant species selected to provide year-round beauty and sustainable upkeep.
The garden is designed to provide color, fullness, and texture throughout the seasons. Landscaping plans for the total property will be phased in over the coming years.
The installation work began in spring 2025. In preparation for planting, existing turf grass, invasive shrubs, yews, boxwoods, and other plants were removed, and hardscape and watering equipment were added.
Then the vast array of perennials, sedges, grasses, shrubs, and several trees were planted in the 3,000 sq ft space. Scheduled watering for this first year was handled by the timed watering system and church volunteers.
The garden is designed to provide color, fullness, and texture throughout the seasons. Landscaping plans for the total property will be phased in over the coming years.
The installation work began in spring 2025. In preparation for planting, existing turf grass, invasive shrubs, yews, boxwoods, and other plants were removed, and hardscape and watering equipment were added.
Then the vast array of perennials, sedges, grasses, shrubs, and several trees were planted in the 3,000 sq ft space. Scheduled watering for this first year was handled by the timed watering system and church volunteers.
From the Friends of the Oak Park Conservatory
Oak Park River Forest Garden Walk on June 28, 2026
A Wild Ones West Cook Garden for Nature grant generously supported purchase of hundreds of Midwestern native-species perennials to promote biodiversity and healthy native habitat.
The garden features a walking path, benches, and a historic stone finial from the former church tower, creating a peaceful space for reflection.
As a public space, the intent is to be a welcoming place to sit, watch bees and butterflies, and enjoy the peace in the beautiful setting. Members and neighbors have commented that the garden enhances the church’s architecture, and they appreciate the inviting nature of the space.
The garden welcomes visitors to enjoy its natural beauty as it continues to mature. We look forward to the seasonal changes in the coming years and invite neighbors and the general public to enjoy the beauty.
Bless and sanctify this memorial garden; bless the memories of ancestors and loved ones whose presence this space holds dear; bless the feet that walk upon this path; bless the bees and butterflies and birds that pollinate these plants and flowers; bless the hands, eyes, and hearts of all who care for this garden; and make us a blessing to our wider neighborhood; make us one as you are one.
The garden features a walking path, benches, and a historic stone finial from the former church tower, creating a peaceful space for reflection.
As a public space, the intent is to be a welcoming place to sit, watch bees and butterflies, and enjoy the peace in the beautiful setting. Members and neighbors have commented that the garden enhances the church’s architecture, and they appreciate the inviting nature of the space.
The garden welcomes visitors to enjoy its natural beauty as it continues to mature. We look forward to the seasonal changes in the coming years and invite neighbors and the general public to enjoy the beauty.
Bless and sanctify this memorial garden; bless the memories of ancestors and loved ones whose presence this space holds dear; bless the feet that walk upon this path; bless the bees and butterflies and birds that pollinate these plants and flowers; bless the hands, eyes, and hearts of all who care for this garden; and make us a blessing to our wider neighborhood; make us one as you are one.
When making an online donation select "GARDEN" from the drop down menu of funds.
Thank You
Leaf & Spade Garden Design leafandspade.com
Wild Ones West Cook Garden for Nature 2025 Grant westcook.wildones.org
Oak Park River Forest Garden Walk 2026 fopcon.org/garden-walk/
Members of United Lutheran Church
Leaf & Spade Garden Design leafandspade.com
Wild Ones West Cook Garden for Nature 2025 Grant westcook.wildones.org
Oak Park River Forest Garden Walk 2026 fopcon.org/garden-walk/
Members of United Lutheran Church
