Ornamental Horticulture

Landscaping places of worship

The places of worship such as temples, Gurudwara, mosques, churches etc. offer a good opportunity for landscaping. In temples where offerings are made with flowers, it is important to have a garden with the right type of flowering plants. The association of Plumeria acutifolia is common with Buddhist temples. Shrubs such as jasmine, crossandra, barleria, hibiscus, ixora etc. are quite useful in a Hindu temple. Generally, there will be some water tank in the vicinity of a Hindu temple. This may be planted with water lilies and lotuses and on the banks moisture-loving trees may be planted. Fragrant flowering trees like Mimusops elengi and Michelia champaca may be planted around the temple to create an atmosphere of serenity and sanctity. The flowers are useful for worship also. There should be enough open space in the front for the devotees to assemble under the shade of trees.