Landscaping at Iraivan

For many years, perhaps 25, we have been growing mondo grass to one day be planted around Iraivan Temple. That day is here, and there is a team of island members who have determined to hand-plant an enormous amount. They have started the arduous project. When done, this will be a lush green sea. This grass, which technically is a Japanese lily, has the look of ocean waves when the tropical winds blow, giving a swaying look to the landscape. It will look, ultimately, like the temple is floating in a serene green ocean. The entire project will take months, but we are in no hurry. One of the unexpected boons is that the Sivathondars are able to hear the priests chanting nearby, so Sanskrit mantras fill the air each day. Aum Namasivaya!

There is another grass, lighter, right next to the temple. The mondo is in the foreground.

One piece at a time. Every sprig of grass added to a garden of grass brings that garden closer to completion, as Gurudeva might have said.

Using a special Japanese tool, the Horihori, to dig the hole.

They are loosely planted but within a year they will close up the gap and be dense.

One team takes the grass dug from our Mondo Farm, cleans off the mud and separates them for the planters.

Hands on service.

Taking finished buckets to the planting site nearby.

They have developed quite a professional workstation by the Wong Island Pond.

One begins to see how it will ultimately look.

There are thousands of square feet to do.

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