Create a labyrinth for all to alight
Labyrinths are maze-like designs that date to ancient times and have served many functions. One of the oldest known, discovered in Crete, was built more than 3,500 years ago. Located in sacred places, they remind humans of our connection to nature. Walking a labyrinth was an expression of thanks, and an evocation of the divine in all things.
A recent resurgence of interest in labyrinths has led to these designs finding their way into backyards.
Unlike mazes, which are paths leading to many dead ends, labyrinths have only one path, moving back and forth to a center and then back out. The designs represent a transformation of consciousness (a walking meditation) and are often used to connect us with the living earth. And what better way to be reminded of that connection than a labyrinth that attracts birds, bees, and butterflies?
There are no rules about where to set up a labyrinth, although sometimes divining is used to find concentrated areas of electrical and magnetic energy. The labyrinth can be as small as a few feet in diameter and as large as your yard. Wherever you locate it, the process of building, planting, and then walking, cleaning, and using it will energize the labyrinth and remind you that you are a part of nature, not separate from it.
Mark the edges of your labyrinth with rocks or mounds of vegetation. Add plantings, birdbaths, butterfly houses, and birdhouses, and you will attract all manner of winged creatures. Not only does this enhance your own enjoyment, you will help these vitally important pollinators whose habitats are declining from land development, pollution, and pesticides. Build it, and they will certainly come.
You’ll want to add plants that produce nectar and pollen. A few that do well in our climate and that attract pollinators include bee balm, catmint, aster, coneflower, penstemon, salvia, cardinal flower, milkweed, and black-eyed Susan.
There are many online resources that can assist you with labyrinth design, as well as local designers: backyardlabyrinths.com, ehow.com (search “labyrinth”), and BJ Harris.
Roberta Beyer owns The Fat Finch, a boutique for birders, at 6855 4th Street NW in Albuquerque’s North Valley.
