A Glimpse Into Aslan’s Garden

Thanks to the generosity of anonymous donors, a beautiful new garden is located on the north side of the Marion E. Wade Center on Wheaton College’s campus. Named after the lion in C. S. Lewis’ beloved Chronicles of Narnia books, Aslan’s Garden is an exquisite space that invites visitors to wander along stone walkways that circle through colorful flower beds and a rich variety of trees and shrubs. Intended as a quiet garden, guests may choose to linger and take in the surrounding nature by sitting on one of the scattered benches or simply spending time in reflection. A lovely water feature serves as a focal point for the garden, with gently tumbling waters contributing a restful calm.

“Aslan’s Garden was created to serve the entire Wheaton College community as a place for peaceful reflection on God’s gift of creation,” said Dr. Crystal Downing, Co-Director of the Wade Center.

The garden also honors Marjorie Lamp Mead ’74, M.A. ’05, for her 45 years of faithful service to the Wade Center. She worked with every director of the Wade Center since Dr. Clyde S. Kilby, then a professor of English at the College, initiated the C. S. Lewis collection. Mead is also the long-time editor of the scholarly journal VII, as well as the Hansen book series.