Hank Metzger Landscape wins state award for Sisters of Providence gathering site

Note: This press release was published with permission from Hank Metzger Landscape of Terre Haute.

Hank Metzger Landscape of Terre Haute was recently recognized with a 2015 Award of Excellence from the Indiana Nursery and Landscape Association (INLA).

The award recognizes landscape firms that have enhanced the Indiana environment with creativity through landscaping and horticulture.

Metzger’s award was in the category of Hardscape Commercial Design/Build for design and installation of an area for contemplation and prayer at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, Indiana. The site honors Mother Theodore Guerin, foundress of the Sisters of Providence, who was elevated to sainthood in 2006.

“There was a lot of discussion about whether the statue should be elevated above ground level,” said the firm’s owner, Hank Metzger. “We felt it was important for visitors to be able to touch and study the statue to develop a unique bond with Saint Mother Theodore, so we recommended placing the statue at ground level.”

The gathering space unifies an area where many sidewalks merge and leads pilgrims and tourists from several points to the statue. The landscape company installed a large paver area with custom radius-cut limestone benches to surround the area and planted a circle of locust trees, creating light shade and a sense of intimacy for visitors. An LED light system enhances the area at night.