Waterstreet Studio worked with First Presbyterian Church to reimagine and renew the Memorial Garden, transforming it into a more sacred and contemplative space while seamlessly integrating it with the church’s broader landscape. Anchored by an existing granite cross, the garden’s redesign enhances its function as a place for remembrance, reflection, and ceremony.

The project included the introduction of a new bluestone walk leading from Maple Street, aligning with a new gathering terrace and chapel entry. The paving pattern within the garden draws inspiration from the cruciform, expressed through bluestone pavers that define the space, while colored concrete with radial saw-cut joints transitions between the elements. A low brick wall and piers establish a defined southern edge, providing a sense of enclosure while maintaining an open connection to the surrounding church grounds.

Planting design plays a key role in shaping the garden’s atmosphere. Structured boxwood hedges provide both form and subtle privacy, while flowering dogwoods and sweetbay magnolias frame the space with seasonal beauty. Deciduous shrubs, perennials, grasses, and bulbs contribute a predominantly white-flowering palette, creating a garden that is both symbolic and visually dynamic across all seasons.

Beyond the garden itself, the renovation extended to the surrounding landscape, including a new stone gathering terrace, entry landscape, and courtyard improvements. The result is a cohesive and welcoming environment that honors the history and spirit of First Presbyterian Church while providing an enduring space for worship, remembrance, and community gatherings.

LOCATION:
Charlottesville, VA

CLIENT:
First Presbyterian Church

PROJECT TEAM:
Watkins & Co. Landscaping - Contractor
Katherine McRose & Kait Irving - Photography