Using simple materials, this resurrection garden is a meaningful, hands-on way to teach children about Jesus’ journey to the cross and resurrection.
An instant resurrection garden
Last year, the kids and I were organised. At the beginning of Lent we created a beautiful resurrection garden using grass seed. We watched the grass grow throughout the season and by Easter the garden was bursting with new life.
This year, we weren’t so organised and missed the boat on growing the grass resurrection garden in time for Easter. Nonetheless, in order to keep the tradition alive, we tried something different: we created an instant resurrection garden.
This version is perfect for the mum who, like me, wasn’t quite ready to tackle this at the start of Lent. Thankfully, this resurrection garden is just as beautiful and meaningful, and can be done any time before Easter Sunday!
What is a resurrection garden?
It is a small, decorative garden (typically in a planter or large bowl) that represents the empty tomb at Easter. It is a great hands-on way for children to learn about the important truth of Christ’s victory over death.
The garden incorporates some key objects:
- A tomb with a stone
- Three crucifixes, symbolising Christ and the two thieves
- A pebbled path to symbolise our journey through Lent
- Plants to symbolise hope in Christ’s resurrection and new life
Why make a resurrection garden?
Creating a resurrection garden serves as an active reminder of our journey through Lent towards Christ’s death and resurrection. Aside from being a fun activity for the children, this project serves several purposes:
It’s a teaching tool: The various elements of the garden are helpful visuals to teach the story of Jesus’ passion and resurrection.
It cultivates patience: The process of waiting to roll the stone away from the tomb mirrors the patience we need during Lent. Spiritual growth, which is our focus during this season, takes time.
It adds beauty: It makes a beautiful centrepiece on your prayer altar or dining table during Lent and Easter.
And they found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they went in they did not find the body.
Luke 24:2
Ways to use it
During Lent: Cover the tomb with the stone to symbolise Jesus’ journey to the cross.
Good Friday: Cover the crucifix with purple cloth to signify the solemnity.
Easter: Roll the stone away to symbolise Jesus is alive! Place a tealight candle inside the empty tomb or add a sign that reads, ‘He is Risen!’
What do you need?
- A large bowl
- A small planting pot
- Potting mix or soil
- A stone to cover the open side of the planting pot
- Six smalls twigs (to make crucifixes)
- Twine (or glue)
- Pebbles
- Small plants of your choice
- A spray bottle filled with water
- A face mask and gardening gloves (see Note 1)
Resurrection Garden
Equipment
- A large bowl
- A small planting pot
- Potting mix or soil
- A stone to cover the open side of the planting pot
- Six smalls twigs
- Twine (or glue)
- Pebbles
- Small plants of your choice (Note 1)
- A spray bottle filled with water
- A face mask and gardening gloves (Note 2)
Instructions
- Wearing a face mask and gardening gloves, fill a large bowl with a layer of potting mix/soil (Note 1).
- Lay the small planting pot on its side, partially buried in the soil.
- Place the stone over the tomb opening (this will be rolled away on Easter morning).
- Place the plants in position, adding more potting mix/soil where needed.
- Construct three small crucifixes out of the twigs, fastening them with twine or glue. Place the crucifixes behind the tomb.
- Using pebbles, create a path leading to the tomb.
- With the spray bottle filled with water, gently soak the resurrection garden. Water it daily in the beginning and every few days thereafter.
Notes
- Be mindful that some plants require more sunlight than others. Try choosing plants suitable for indoors; otherwise, be sure to give your garden enough sunlight.
- Bagged potting mix is a living product and contains microbes, some of which can be unhealthy for us. It is recommended to use a face mask and gardening gloves when handling potting mix, especially for children.
Stephanie Philippou, co-founder of Litany of the Home, is a Catholic wife and mother of eight in Melbourne. She has a heart for instilling liturgical living in her home, loves ordered spaces and often laughs at her own jokes.
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