Restoring Roots Backyard Prairie and Sculpture Garden
1239 W. Central Avenue, El Dorado, KS

Although we often think of prairies as being large expanses, there are many ways to establish areas with native plantings in more limited spaces.

After living in El Dorado for a few years, Peter and Judith Storandt had an opportunity to purchase two adjacent properties that had been vacant for some time and no longer habitable.

Inspired by their visual experience of Kansas prairie land in its vastness, and by the candidacy of now-Bishop Bascom and her embrace of our prairie heritage, the Storandts decided to lay down an area of green space drawing on those influences.

After razing the old structures, and building some minimal privacy fencing, they engaged local stone sculptor and landscape artist Tobin Rupe to develop an overall scheme. His plan included a large area for native grasses and wildflowers, interspersed with three large stone figures, two benches, a meandering stone walkway, and a rock dry creek with two bridges in a ribbon pattern between the east and west ends of the lot.

This project demonstrates that even on a smaller scale, the rich variety of prairie plant species can bring beauty, inspiration, and peace as they attract birds, pollinators, and other desirable wildlife to an otherwise ordinary plot of urban land.

Having the sculptures and other features made of native stone reminds us that people can create and delight in what God has provided naturally.

Visitors are welcome at any time to visit this place during daylight hours. There is an entry gate on the 1239 W. Central Avenue fence and a table with benches is available for those who might wish to linger and enjoy a picnic.