Hidden Landscape Gems

by Heather Prince

100 Linden Ave, Wilmette, IL https://www.bahai.us/bahai-temple/

wedding-cake confection of the Bahá’í House of Worship offers not only stunning architecture, but beautiful gardens. Construction on the historic building began in the 1920s and after disruptions from the Great Depression and World War II, was completed in 1953. During the war, its lakeshore site meant pilots from nearby Glenview Air Station used the temple as a guide for practice missions over Lake Michigan. The gardens were based on a design by Hilbert E. Dahl in 1951 and echo the nine sides of the temple structure. In the Bahá’í beliefs, nine is the largest single number and symbolizes comprehensiveness, oneness, and unity. Also, Bahá’í readings contain metaphors likening human beings to flowers in a garden. The nine circular gardens, each with circular fountains, represent Western landscapes and serve as outdoor rooms for prayer. As you drive along Sheridan Road and pull into the parking lot on Linden, you’ll notice that the site sits above you. The façade is made of white Portland cement concrete with both clear and white quartz aggregate, creating a shimmering white focal point. There are multiple points of access and colorful containers mark entrances to the buildings and walkways.

The principal axis from one entrance to the corner of Linden Avenue and Sheridan Road features a long blue-tiled reflecting pool to echo the faith’s Eastern origins. A second reflecting pool leads to the parking area and welcome center. A lower-level entranceway is beautifully framed in artfully maintained evergreen shrubs including juniper, pine, and boxwood. The mugo pines form clumped clouds of dark green needles while pfitzer junipers spread in sprays of horizonal mint green needles, softening the edge of the walls. Containers filled with long-blooming annuals beckon visitors to the doors.

A central circular path connects each of the nine oval gardens that feature a bubbling fountain. The individual gardens have the same layout of a circular pool with fountain set within a lawn with curving seat walls and semi-circular flower beds. Each garden is framed by trees and evergreens, making them distinct sheltered spaces. The use of boxwood and upright juniper ties the whole together while delineating areas. The windswept branches of the junipers lead the eye back to the temple at the center of the gardens. Swathes of perennials offer texture and foliage while annual flowers brighten beds. Each garden has a different color scheme and is framed by spring-flowering trees. Roses are featured in one garden for fragrance in shades of white, cream, lemon, and peach. The mix of deciduous and evergreen plantings ensure calming foliage no matter the season. The gardens are intended to be peaceful worship spaces and people are reminded to be respectful of the nature of these spaces. Pets, bikes, and picnics are restricted. When you visit, notice the fine detailing on the seat walls, benches, and steps. The gardens have been thoughtfully constructed to respond to the temple structure and lead prayer from indoors to outside.