Watch our Garden Grow
We have been blessed with a generous gift of spring bulbs for our church gardens. We all enjoyed the colorful tulips during the Easter season. Click here to see photos.
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St. Peter's Biblical and Memorial Gardens
The Biblical and Memorial Gardens at St. Peter's Episcopal Church in Cheshire, CT have a rich tradition of love for the beautiful gifts of nature that God has provided. Over the years, many people have contributed many plantings and much love to our gardens. In carrying on that tradition, in 2007 we have begun the process of supplementing our present gardens with those plants mentioned in the Old and New Testaments, establishing the St. Peter's Gardens as a Biblical Garden. These plantings will include not only flowers, but herbs, crop plantings, and trees and shrubs within the Church grounds. In addition to the plants mentioned in the Bible, the gardens also include other flowers and plantings that would be found in the Holy Land and others that reflect the beauty, shelter, and abundant bounty which God has bestowed on this earth. We hope to provide a place for you, our community, a place of worship, learning, meditation, and reflection upon the beauty, the teachings, and the love of God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ. A place for you, where the Holy Spirit may fill your heart with peace and joy.
We have enjoyed the blooms from the generous donation of narcissus, daffodils, tulips and a wonderful variety of lilies planted last fall; all of which are related to those having roots in the Holy Land. We have been blessed through the summer months with the enduring beauty of the peonies, bleeding hearts, roses, phlox, Shasta daisies, Russian sage, hollyhocks and more that were planted in years past. Additions this year include flax, thistle, delphiniums, yellow flag iris, sweet flag, flowering almond bush, saffron crocus, poppies, anemones, Madonna Lily, aloe, wild rose, violets, Lenten rose and others. Each addition is reflected in a passage in the Bible or is native in its genus to the land upon which Jesus walked. A birdfeeder and liatris and coneflower plants were added, providing nourishing nectar and seeds for God's winged creatures (as well as those creatures with fluffy tails). You may have noticed an American Goldfinch, Cardinal and a variety of butterflies in the gardens-finding shelter in the rhododendron so carefully transplanted years ago. We have enjoyed the blooms of the hydrangeas and Easter lilies this summer which decorated the Altar last Easter; a continuing reminder of the joyous season when we celebrate the Resurrection of Christ.
A potted herb garden was added as well this year, each grouping reflecting a separate theme. One contains herbs that were traditionally tithed, another contains bitter herbs; each with a related lesson. There is a pot of the legendary Manger herbs including lavender, thyme and rosemary that legend says Mary laid in the manger for the Baby Jesus. A pot containing leeks, onions, and garlic reflects those crops that the Jewish people pined for after leaving the lush land of Egypt; but the mallows (hollyhock, Rose of Sharon) elsewhere in the garden remind us that God provides sustenance for His people in their time of need. A walk around the grounds of St. Peter's reveals more of the gifts of God. You will find a grape vine, walnut, chestnut, locust, crabapple and mulberry trees. The mighty elm tree, stretching out its limbs with protective beauty, is found on the bounds of the property. The white oak in the center of the cemetery, said to be a descendant of the Charter Oak, reminds us of the strength of God's kingdom. Campanula (Bellflowers) and Coral Bells remind us of the tireless efforts and contributions of many to hear the bell of St. Peter's Church ring again.
The Memorial Garden has been lovingly tended to this year and last by Jane Lint. This garden is again full of color with beautiful annuals and perennials. Hummingbirds can be seen among the brilliant phlox. Colorful friends find shelter in the honeysuckle. It again offers a place of peace and serenity as it began and was meant to be.
Much can be learned from the plants around us, teaching and reminding us of the lessons and gifts of God. As stewards of this land which God has created we must tenderly care for these gifts, protecting the environment and those creatures with which we share this land. More information on the plants of the Bible and plans for the St. Peter's Church Biblical and Memorial Gardens will be on display at the Ministry Fair September 9th. A sign up sheet will be available for anyone who would like to join this ministry. Monetary donations are also gratefully accepted. In addition, any historical knowledge of the garden would be a wonderful supplement as we plan to produce pamphlets as well as develop a segment for the website. Contact Sandi Baker with any questions or comments. Thank you.
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