Garden at Church Mirrors Bible Paths

Christians don’t need to travel to the Holy Land to walk a path similar to those in the Bible.

For more than two decades, Trinity Lutheran Church in Simi Valley has maintained its Biblical Garden, which features every tree and plant mentioned in the scriptures, along with a stone marker citing the Bible passage.

The serene setting behind the church provides a space for quiet contemplation and a unique look at the Bible, said the Rev. Al Young, Trinity Lutheran’s pastor.

“I think of it primarily as a place of worship and meditation,” Young said, “secondly as a place of education.”

Visitors begin their journey down a dirt path linked to Genesis, with the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil. In this case, it’s an apricot tree and, unlike its biblical counterpart, there is no specific prohibition against eating its fruit.

The shady glen hosts 9 a.m. Sunday services during the summer and also has served as the setting for weddings, memorial services and receptions.

“It’s useful in our ministry here,” Young said.

Along the well-tended pathway, people encounter a fragrant myrtle bush, as well as poplar, pine, cypress, olive and cedar trees; mint, aloe and thyme plants; cucumbers, melons, grapes, garlic and onions, and almonds. The garden even includes thorns representing those used in the crown Jesus wore at crucifixion.

Then visitors cross a bridge indicating a transition from the Old Testament to the New Testament and are met by a nativity scene.

Trudy Lundblad brought co-worker Carole Johnston to the garden for their lunch break from Simi Valley Hospital on Thursday. Neither woman belongs to the church, but a friend introduced Lundblad to the garden last weekend and she wanted to share the experience with someone else.

“Nobody would really know this is here,” Lundblad said. “I just thought it would be a nice place to be alone.”

Young considers the garden, which is always open, akin to a public park. Visitors are always welcome to the Alamo Street site, he said.