“This place is a strange, incredible vortex of that creative spirit of life. Anybody who resonates with that spirit, you’re part of this.”
Marci Wayman
Our Circle of Creation
By the hands of many
Marci
Marci’s family goes back generations in Oregon, and her father and his siblings used to play here as children, just as she did and her children did when they were young. The magic of the gardens and the people who visit light up her heart every day, reminding her of the goodness of life. It’s a deep honor for her to have the chance to steward this land and live its spirit of welcome with everyone who visits!
Charles
Charles was born and raised in Bend. He has always been a lover of rocks, nature, and people. So, it makes sense that he’s the hands of the board as executive director, being the go-to guy on making the magic happen here. He embodies the delightful spirit of the garden, and cherishes the opportunity to care for the community. He shines so bright in how he invites visitors into his infectious joy for life and love of the garden.
Joe
Joe has lived most of his life in Bend, Oregon, where he raised a family and has spent decades looking after the locals as a chef and nutritionist. He is here on this planet to nourish the people through connection and community, and he can’t believe how lucky he is to get to head up the garden’s nonprofit as board president so that he can live exactly that joy. Come watch his heart melt as he gets chased after by giddy, clucking chickens!
Ted
Ted has lived in Central Oregon as a banker, business man and hotel owner for many decades, and now dedicates himself to the community by supporting local nonprofits and leading men’s groups. He knows that creating places of belonging heal the soul, on the personal and collective level. As treasurer, he is so excited to help restore the garden in order to support that sort of wellbeing within people.
Rebecca
Rebecca is a sprite of good cheer, and you can feel it in everything she creates! She can quickly tune into the spirit of a place, person or idea and give creative support to what’s wanting expression. Getting to head up our connection with the community through social media tickles her heart. Look for the little gnomes she creates and hides in the monuments!
Tonia
Tonia is mama! As manager of the garden, she loves on allllll of us — from volunteers to critters (and now, Auzzie, our new rooster), and she’s always finding ways to organize, heal and beautify the garden! Tonia’s love of the area runs deep. Her family homesteaded at Smith Rock before it was a park, and her grandpa was friends with Rasmus Petersen. She spent her childhood here, her daughter played here when young, and pretty soon her granddaughter will be toddling around. This is her unexpected dream job!
Volunteers
Rasmus Petersen created the garden so that people can remember that life is beautiful and that we’re here on this planet to enjoy it together. So, the garden belongs to the community — it always has and it always will, and it’s the community’s love which will continue to grow the garden now and throughout the decades to come. We can’t thank everyone enough for polishing this gem back into its historic shine!
Chickens!
Chickens and peacocks and rocks, oh my! Rasmus Petersen loved birds, and it’s always been a tradition to have chickens playing at the garden. As of last summer, they have returned! They were hand-raised by Marci’s daughter, and they used to snuggle and roost in their hair as chicks! They looooove people! And so does our new black Silkie rooster. He is the sweetest bird and the guardian of the garden!
Come say hi to Jonesy, Meep, Goo and Auzzie!
Our Work
New owners and volunteers have breathed life and vision into this beloved Central Oregon roadside attraction over the past few years, engaging the community in efforts to clean and restore its features, share its rich history, and plan for its future.
Main House Restoration
Finished being built in 1927, this grand house was the belle of the ball in the community. Rasmus and his wife hosted many gatherings and tea parties in this home in order to foster connection. We have just begun to clean it up, and we look forward to not only hosting community dinners there but inviting in visitors for tours to learn about the history of the garden.
Garden Clean Up and Maintenance
The garden was full of flowers and meticulous landscaping during its heyday. Right now, we are busy cleaning up the land, pulling weeds, and hauling off trash. It takes ongoing work to keep up the garden, and the more volunteers to make this place beautiful the better! Please reach out to help — we’re a cast of characters and we love getting to know other rock nerds, beauty makers and people lovers!
Antique Cafe Restoration
We can’t wait to reopen the diner! We’ve given it a new paint job and a thorough cleaning, but it needs a full face-lift! From restoring the old vinyl chairs, to new flooring, a new kitchen and an updated septic system, there is lots to do. But there’s also a lot of inspiration from the many visitors who can’t wait to get back inside for a cuppa joe and a slice of pie. Peek through the windows to see the old menu and its 1960 prices!
Pond Clean Up and Maintenance
The beautiful ponds are irrigation fed from spring through fall. Dragonflies and froggies play among the pink lilies, and we look forward to freeing up more space in the big pond so that we can bring back the swan boats for visitors to paddle around in. It will take a lot of cattail pulling and cleanup to make that happen, so please let us know if you want to dive in!
Our Vision
Our vision goes beyond simply restoring Rasmus' original dream. We aim to build upon it, fostering an even deeper sense of belonging—honoring his intent to create a space where people feel connected to both the land and one another.
Some of our projects include:
Creating a community garden that integrates a sustainable ecosystem, including chickens, to promote harmony between nature and people.
A space for community events, farm-to-table meals, and celebrations that foster a deep connection to the land.
A teahouse offering hand-crafted tea blends made from ingredients grown in the community garden and other creative ways to bring community together.
Ready to Share the Vision with Us?
We’re looking for volunteers to help preserve and enhance the beauty of the rock garden! Join us in maintaining this unique landmark, contributing your time and energy to restore its features, care for its gardens, and support its ongoing legacy. Whether you have a green thumb or a passion for history, there’s a way for you to get involved and make a difference. Come be part of this special community effort and help us keep the rock garden thriving for future generations!