I Come to the Garden Alone

Scripture: John 20:11-18

Introduction

This program that will explore the spiritual and practical benefits of gardening while spending quality time with God. Just as Mary Magdalene met the resurrected Jesus in a garden, we can also encounter the divine presence in our gardens as we nurture the earth. Let’s delve into the wisdom of John 20:11-18 and learn how gardening can be a form of prayer and communion with our Lord.

Let this program inspire you to spend time alone in your garden, connecting with God while nurturing the beauty and life He has given us in the form of plants and flowers. Having a confident faith is much like planting seeds. We exercise faith when we plant seeds and eagerly anticipate the harvest to come.

Prepare Ahead of Time

Many plants can be started in small planters. Often the dollar tree or other big box stores have little dirt pods and inexpensive plastic containers to start plants.  This is a great way to get the women involved in a corps garden or begin their own.  Use the resource links below to plan ahead to determine what items will grow best in your zone.

Also, provide printed prayer prompts of things the women can pray for while they’re planting.  Examples can be:

• Who is one person who you’ve always struggled to pray for? In confident faith, take this time while planting to pray for that person.
• What situation in your life feels impossible.
• What does it mean to live in confident faith in your life?
• How can God expand your horizons to live in confident faith?

Encourage a time of sharing after the women have prayed silently to share how God might have spoken to each woman through the experience.

Blessings

Nothing quite blesses my heart like the two things found in John 20:11-18 in which Jesus speaks to Mary Magdalene and calls her to be the first one to tell of the news that not even death could overcome Him. The second, is seeing the wonder of an abundant harvest.

When I came to my present appointment, I had heard that there was a large garden.  Isn’t the Lord funny? I couldn’t even keep a houseplant alive, and now I had a huge garden. I never truly understood why anyone would find enjoyment in something that, in my eyes, was doomed to fail.  However, Jesus reminded me that if He could overcome sin and death, surely, I could overcome my black thumb.

If you go to Amazon and do a quick search “gardening for beginners” it yields over 10,000 results!  That’s a LOT, which can be overwhelming.  It’s hard to decide where to begin but just know that there are both benefits and easy steps to begin your journey.

The Garden as a Place of Solitude

Just like Mary Magdalene, sometimes we need solitude to connect with God. Gardens offer a peaceful sanctuary to meditate, pray, and listen to His voice.

The Miracle of Growth

Gardens teach us about patience and trust. As you plant a seed and watch it grow, remember that God works in His time, not ours. Just as Jesus’ resurrection was a miracle, so too is the growth of every plant.

Cultivating Beauty and Abundance

God has provided us with the earth’s resources, and gardening is a way to participate in His creation. The colorful flowers and the bounty of a vegetable garden are a testament to His generosity.

Practical Gardening Tips

I like to have things planned out so here are a few really good starting points.

1. Find your place. You must decide where you would like to grow your garden. Whether you want a beautiful flower garden or bountiful vegetables you must keep in mind the location. Things to consider when you’re looking for a garden location is sufficient sunlight and access to water.
2. Know what plants can and will grow in your area. There’s a tool hosted by the USDA called the “Plant Hardiness Zone Map” https://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/. This information allows you to start mapping out what sort of plants will thrive in your area.  While I would personally love a bountiful banana tree or perhaps a garden full of wonderful melons, the reality is the zone I’m in allows for hearty and healthy deep green vegetables. Knowing what will thrive in your area helps set you up for success.
3. Know the soil. Many state universities offer very affordable soil analysis and fertilizer recommendations. These experts can ensure that your soil is fit for growing.  Often, if the ground has the same things planted each year, it can cause the soil to be deficient in nutrients and your soil may need a little help from you.  https://gardeningproductsreview.com/state-by-state-list-soil-testing-labs-cooperative-extension-offices/
4. Perennial or annual? That is the question. Plants that complete their entire lifecycle in a single year are annuals, meaning annually, you’ll need to replace them. Perennials have a more permanent lifecycle, not indefinite, but longer than one season.  Some plants such as blanket flowers live up to 5 years and are perennials, whereas rhododendrons can live for hundreds of years.
5. Make your purchase and plan ahead. Did you know that although seeds have an expiration date, most will still sprout even years after they’ve “expired?” If you’re looking ahead and wanting to save a few dollars, check out the clearance section of some stores and get the seeds that are out of season.  You’ll likely have great success planting and save some money too.
6. Plant! Now that you’ve done the research, it’s time to plant the seeds and wait in confident faith.

A note about companion planting and maximizing your space.

Companion planting, also known as companion gardening, involves planting different plants together in a way that benefits one or both of the plants. Here are some brief tips on companion gardening:

• Complementary Plant Pairings: Research which plants work well together and which ones should be kept apart. For example, tomatoes and basil are often recommended as companions, while tomatoes and potatoes should be kept separate to prevent the spread of disease.
• Repel Pests with Aromatics: Some aromatic herbs like basil, mint, and rosemary can help repel common garden pests when planted alongside susceptible crops. For instance, basil can deter aphids near tomato plants.
• Attract Beneficial Insects: Certain flowers, like marigolds and calendula, can attract pollinators and beneficial insects that prey on garden pests. Plant them strategically throughout your garden to promote a healthy ecosystem.
• Utilize Vertical Space: Consider planting vining vegetables like cucumbers and beans near tall plants like corn or sunflowers. This way, you can maximize your garden’s use of vertical space and sunlight.
• Monitor and Experiment: Keep an eye on how different plant combinations work in your garden. Gardening is often a matter of trial and error, so be open to adjusting your companion planting strategies based on your observations and the specific conditions in your garden.

Benefits of Gardening Alone

• Reflection and meditation in a peaceful setting.
• A break from the noise and busyness of daily life.
• The joy of nurturing life and seeing God’s creation at work.

Remember that just as Mary Magdalene encountered Jesus in the garden, you too can experience divine moments while tending to your garden. Gardening can be a form of prayer and a way to connect with the Creator as you witness the beauty and abundance of His creation. May your time in the garden be a reminder of the resurrection and the hope it brings and cultivates a confident faith.

Give thanks, in all seasons, a final prayer.

Heavenly Father, we thank you for the gift of gardening and the spiritual lessons it offers. As we tend to our gardens, may we feel Your presence and hear Your voice. Bless our efforts, and may our gardens be a source of joy, solace, and growth in faith. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Additional Activity

Make a Resurrection Garden.  https://usw-womensministries.org/april-2022-craft-resurrection-garden/