During our visit to Marion, Illinois, a couple of weeks ago we decided to take a chance and visit a place called Mandala Gardens. I had read a brief review of the Gardens on TripAdvisor which sounded promising but the Mandala Gardens website itself mentioned something about calling ahead, and like many of the side-trips that we make, this one was rather spontaneous. When we got to the privately owned Gardens early in the morning the gates were closed and I gazed longingly through the bars at what looked like an intriguing vista. I was just about to get back in the car when a lady came out of the adjoining house and walked down to greet us. I explained that our visit was rather a last-minute idea and were sorry to turn up unannounced but she told us that it wasn’t a problem and ushered us in.
You immediately feel the peace and serenity that emanates from this tranquil setting. Diana Tigerlily (pictured below) and her husband Greg Reid have lived at the property on North State Street for 20 years and during that time have put a lot of effort into making it the lovely place that it is today. Diana kindly allowed us to wander around and enjoy the Gardens and of course I made the most of this great photo opportunity. For more on Diana and Greg’s story go to ABOUT
There are several interesting structures to explore at the Gardens one of which is The Infinity Arch created by Thea Alvin.
Another feature, also created by Thea Alvin, is Moongate which stands at the end of the pond. Here at the Gardens Diana holds Yoga practice sessions which are named Blue Heron Yoga and just as I was about to walk around the pond the blue heron, for which these sessions are named, flapped lazily away. Unfortunately I wasn’t quick enough to get a shot with the camera but luckily the pond and Moongate were still there.
Looking through Moongate you catch a glimpse of the sandstone labyrinth, a quiet place to meditate, or take a walk through the trees just beyond and return to the garden via the bridge. Both the labyrinth and the bridge are the result of Greg and Diana’s hard work.
Back among the flowers, there are plenty of places to sit and enjoy the various pieces of artwork than can be found at Mandala Gardens, including Talisman, a metal sculpture by Carey Netherton and some delightful little stained-glass windows which are part of the potting shed.
If you are ever in the Marion area of Illinois, I can highly recommend a visit to Manadala Gardens. Diana was most welcoming and made us feel right at home.
The Nature of Things 
Yes, I can see…beautiful place, Sue!!
Thanks, Indira. We were lucky that Diana spotted us otherwise we would have driven away and missed seeing this.
Lovely post with beautiful photos!
Thank you so much!
What an amazing place!
Yes, definitely worth another visit if we’re ever in the area again.
Interesting post- I like all the stone work and the stained glass in the potting shed- I’d like to copy that idea if I had some spare stained glass!
Thank you! The sandstone looks really nice now but I’m not sure how durable it would be. The windows looked like they were part of something else at one time.
Lovely place, as are your pictures of it.
Thank you! We were pleasantly surprised by this little gem in Marion.
The stonework seemed to work really well in the garden. A lovely place.
I was really impressed by how much work they’d done there. They certainly achieved their goal which was to make it place of peace and relaxation.
So glad you were able to get in, Great photos!
Thank you! I would have been sorry to have missed this opportunity.
Looks like a very interesting place – they have done a lot of work.
I think the yoga must have helped considerably, after lugging all those heavy stones around.
I;m sure it must. 🙂
Very interesting place.
Yes, I’m glad we decided to give it a try.