Garden of Peace Memorial
-Boston, MA

The Garden of Peace was created as a memorial to victims of homicide. It was designed in coordination with the Garden of Peace Board of Directors and Mass Development, and is located on Somerset Street near the Massachusetts State House. The elements within this quiet contemplative garden represent the grieving process. An 8-foot black granite sphere, which is only partially visible, symbolizes the impact of a traumatic death and the weight of grief. This sphere is the source from which a dry streambed originates. The stream, which contains worn river stones engraved with the names of homicide victims, curves through the garden and culminates with a trickle of water in a pool. A sculpture of ibis ascending is located in this pool, representing the potential for peace. Catherine Melina, ASLA, conceived the design of the garden and in 2006 it received an award from the Boston Society of Landscape Architects.