I walked this labyrinth several times and sat on the edge of it enjoying the show MANY times. I can easily envision its contemplative calm and juicily delectable offerings in any one of my gardens. I think it's infinitely adaptable and would like to have an entertainment variant with higher walls when Mr. Lyons is available. I also see that it would be very helpful to elders who could benefit enormously by being able to sit on the edge of their gardens. The labyrinth tradition is an ancient one.....most helpful and soothing and I'd be extremely pleased to have one in my garden!

I'm confused by what you mean when you say: "how it would work out in real life?"

I saw this installation and marveled how it was the only one that was natural and real. All the others had that high end "designer" feeling.

As an natural and organic gardener, I'm troubled by your dilemma. The "zen" of gardening negates all the worry you mention.

That's what this installation reflects. It IS the real world.

The point of Mr. Lyons contribution to the show is to introduce new design and and installation concepts to the audiences.

One would not think that Mr. Lyons intends to present a finished product that any one could simply "order up"....with a "Yep, that's for me!"

Given the space and time constraints of the show, we can be confident that Mr. Lyons ideas and concepts are presented to wet our appetite of possibility and imagination.

A Recycled Concrete walkway with a flat surface needing no masonary work on that specific surface... Totally Brilliant!

Morterless Joints...and the ability to provide a flat growing and walking surface on a hillside slope...even more Brilliance.

The volume of plants in this installation was never the point..walking through a maze like traverse, whether one chooses to be in a contemplative state or tending their bounty is exactly the point.

Which for me, is why I found this the most intriguing installation at the LA Garden Show!

I loved John's piece precisley because it reminded me to enjoy my gardens and not to get caught up in the chores. I am a professional maintenance gardener and can't say enough about John's work.

Many of us who would shrivel up and die without plants to tend get much of our "Zen-like calm" from those aspects of gardening some people don't like: weeding, cultivating, inspecting, sampling, harvesting. We welcome the whole wazoo with open arms. But for those who can't fully engage with their gardens for whatever reason, like maybe lack of time or energy or even desire, but still want to experience the joy of strolling through their own garden lost in meditative thought and harvesting its wonderful generous bounty, there are passionate, creative and fearless gardeners out there like Mr. Lyons who can transform your plot of crab grass into a virtual paradise in the most delightful way.

The are many paths as unique and individual as each and every one of us. How refreshing to discover this little bit of whimsy and originality among so much of the same ol same ol.

How would this work in real life? I agree with the earlier poster who pointed out: this IS real life. Imagine this on a larger scale after a couple years of TLC. My children LOVED this garden by the way, and I know they'd love it even more all grown up with lots of places to hide.

I love Mr. Lyon's work! He is inspiring and you can see that he loves his work. I hope that next year I can have something like this done on a slightly smaller scale for my little garden although I love what he has done for me already! Its my best garden yet thanks to Mr. Lyons!

Due to the fact I am Johns sister one could safely assume ai am a tad biased in my opinion of his garden design. Nonetheless I believe he has designed an intensely contemplative, relaxing, user friendly space. What is gardening except weeding cultivating inspecting sampling and harvesting. Gardens are living ,evolving, forever changing spaces....Thankfully.

John has kept me up to date with the development of this garden and I am delighted to read the very positive reactions of those who viewed it. Unfortunately, I could not drop in to view it myself - the journey from the south of Ireland to Los Angeles was simply out of the question.

I have seen much of John's work as he has kept me in touch with the various projects he has undertaken and am delighted to see his work gaining wider recognition.

Paddy Tobin, Waterford, Ireland

After walking around the outside of the labyrinth and admiring the unique design, John came over and said, "Now walk the labyrinth. Walk on the path." I hesitated, thinking it wasn't necessary; I'd feel silly, and I'd already walked all around it. "Go on!" he said, so I did. It was a feeling I will never forget.... the meandering path, seeing each plant and art from a variety of perspectives, feeling the warmth of the sun on different parts of my body as I turned with the path. I found myself slowing down, then taking a second trip around, enjoying the changing vistas too. Experiencing the labyrinth was the best part of the show; and as stated previously, a deeply moving, beautiful (and fun!) experience.

"Could you ever serenely walk this path, admiring the beauty of your crops with Zen-like calm? Or would the urge to weed, cultivate, inspect, sample, harvest always be too strong?"
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...hmmmm... I would weed, cultivate, inspect, sample, harvest with zen-like calm while admiring the beauty created in partnership with Nature.

I did not see John's work at the garden show, but our newly formed community garden in Chatsworth has consulted with him for the design of our organic garden and we love his work.

Well, you can always buy your produce instead, should the urge to tend to your garden be just sooo overwhelming. Oh, and install a pool to Truly achieve that "zen" you're looking for.

..The rest of us will stick with John Lyons labyrinth.

I am glad John has so many admirers. And I'm sorry somehow I gave them all the impression I didn't like the garden. Actually, like Henry, I found it the most intriguing installation at the Show.

Now that I've read all your comments I think I agree most with Maggie. When I'm working in my garden I'm pretty oblivious of the rest of the world anyway, so it wouldn't matter if I didn't walk the walk very often. There is more than one way to be in the moment.

And it would be nice to weed and the rest comfortably seated instead of on my knees with my butt in the air.

But looks like if I want a labyrinth veggie garden there's a long line ahead of me already waiting for one.

I admire John's work as a fellow designer. I had the pleasure of seeing his installment and commented that it was a great blend of beauty, function and art. A winning combination for me!
SHirley Bovshow

I find the garden to be intriguing, reflective, functional, meditative, and aesthetically pleasing to the eye and soul.
Quite frankly, I find it brilliant.

I admire John's ability to work outside the box - literally. The meandering path would instantly put me at ease in the garden, yet the design's accessibility still makes the garden functional. Nice work John!

What is the problem? A beautiful and functional garden path with lots of room to plant and enjoy. I don't understand the author"s comments wondering if it would work in real life??

I just took it as musing about her own impulse to garden along the way; she clearly loves this design, that's why she highlighted it!

Jemma, bless you. Someone finally understands me.

Hi John,
This is amazing! I am so excited for you. I wanted to let you know we moved to a new ranch called Gibson Ranch. I'm still waiting to hear the name of the delicious smelling flowering plant that's yellowish in color and only blooms in spring. I can't remember the name and you told me the name when we rode at April's ranch. Please keep sending me your wonderful articles of what's happening with you. I'd love to see you soon.
Love, Cindy

I think the labyrinth would be a great reminder to stop obsessing and enjoy my garden!