In the small town of Henryville, Indiana lies one of the most picturesque locations in the Midwest, Cathedral Gardens. From May 1 through October 31, visitors may tour the grounds from Monday through Saturday at 9:00 pm, 11:00 pm, 1:00 pm, and 3:00 pm. Price is $13 for first visits, and half of that for every return visit. After the tour, you are allowed to stay and take in the natural beauty. Guests are encouraged to bring a picnic lunch to enjoy on the fifteen acre planted of fifty two acre grounds. It is a place where time seems to stand still as your breath is literally taken away by the beauty surrounding you. It is hard to believe this place is just over thirteen years old.
The history of this place has less to do with a place, and more to do with a man. His name is David L. Daugherty. He bought the land of Cathedral Gardens in 1993 to create a personal retreat to get away from the business world and commercialism. Daugherty was an engineer by trade and then delved into the world of construction. His creativity was unparalleled and before his gardens, relatively unfulfilled by his days in the professional world. But on the edge of retirement, his dream waited patiently, and when he retired in 1996, the concept of his Cathedral Gardens had already begun.
Cathedral Gardens is actually thirteen intertwined stunning gardens with statues, fountains, flowers, plants, and a whole soul experience with something for all of the senses to explore. Not a single thing has been overlooked in its creation, with its walkways and walls lain by hand of brownstone painstakingly removed from the creek, and a reported ten thousand annuals (1) added to the grounds each spring. There are ponds with fountains, amazingly created pavilions, and annual additions to keep Cathedral Gardens eternally growing in splendor. But very few people knew about Daugherty’s Cathedral Gardens before the Louisville Courier Journal featured the stunning landscaping in an article honoring Daugherty’s efforts. In 2003, the first guests to the natural sanctuary were welcomed to view the grounds, which has thus far cost Daugherty a reported $4,000,000.
Throughout a tour of Cathedral Gardens, David L. Daugherty’s faith in God is apparent. From references to his religious strength to images along the grounds, including a cross-shaped pool, Cathedral Gardens is a thing of God’s beauty and grace. It is a tribute to God in all definitions of the term. You can not visit this place without leaving in awe of the wonder of God’s creation and the amazement of the concept which has blossomed into an incredible place.
The gardens have so many plants, including rare ones. From April through May, the annuals are planted. There are an estimated 12,000 of these plants that are secured into the beds and along the stone pathways on the grounds. Guests can purchase annuals from Cathedral Gardens during a visit and take a part of the sanctuary home, but touching plants on the grounds is discouraged and can result in negativity. After all, they want all of the plants to be available for all guests to see.
The tree and shrub collection is incredible with both native Indiana trees and shrubs as well as rare trees like Gingko, Aspen, and Willow and rare shrubs like bamboo.
The grounds are rentable for weddings, and there are plenty of places to get a stunning shot. There is a cabin for the bride’s use, and staff is available to set up tables and chairs before the event and also offer clean up services, but the event must be over before 11:00 pm. Size is an issue, as the limit of the gardens is 80-100 people. Alcohol is not recommended, as Cathedral Gardens insists on a bonded server with a $1,000,000 bond certificate. The current cost for renting Cathedral Gardens for weddings is $1,100 for a weekday or Sunday wedding, and $1,500 for a Saturday wedding. Receptions are an additional $500, with tent rental of $1,000, which includes valet. For reservation information, call (812) 294-3193 or visit the Cathedral Gardens website.
For more information about Cathedral Gardens, you can purchase Daugherty’s book Cathedral Gardens – in Quest of Paradise. It retails just under $20 and is available on Amazon.com.
(1) Cathedral Gardens, History. Daugherty, David L. Available online from http://cathedralgardens.com/History.asp
