SAND, STONE AND WATER An Interactive Community Sand and Stone Garden, Florida House Institute and Environmental Learning Center, Sarasota, Florida Designed by Fayanne Hayes Not long after the bombing of the World Trade Center Hayes proposed the development of a community contemplative garden at The Florida House Institute - an accessible location free and open to the community. The project was inspired by traditional Japanese sand and stone gardens. Visitors were invited to rake patterns in the sand, arrange smooth stones to create their own contemplative spaces. A hand-made wooden rake, a straw broom (for smoothing the sand), large shallow stone bowls and a watering can were placed near the garden for visitors to use. An information sign situated near the garden helped to guide visitors. Historical information and response /comment forms were available. Visitors were invited to share comments about their experience and draw diagrams of their final garden design. The Florida House Learning Center is a sustainable living model home. It is an educational center featuring information about sustainable and environmentally friendly materials and building methods, gardening practices, energy efficiency, water conservation, healthy house concepts and recycled products. Photo by Jane Parrish Smith