Easter Gardens

The transformation of the deep sadness of Good Friday into the joy of Easter Day is often symbolised by the creation of an Easter garden as a central focus for worship. For many churches this is a communal activity involving both children and adults.

An alternative is for individuals to create their own miniature Easter garden, either at home or as an activity in church.

Garden 1

This Easter garden was created by the children. The altar was used as the the empty tomb with the white grave clothes laid out inside. Moss, branches and daffodils were gathered from the churchyard.

The church has two figures of Jesus and Mary Magdalene in the garden, which were placed either side of the tomb. Behind is the Christmas tree cross, now hung with white cloth but still bearing the crown of thorns.

Victoria

Garden 2

The tomb was created using chicken wire and papier mache. Vases of flowers were placed around the tomb and paths were made, winding through the garden.

The children were invited to walk along the paths and shine a torch into the tomb.

The brass jug is used in baptisms; during the service the children were invited to take a sprig of rosemary.

They dipped it in the water and used it to sprinkle the congregation. This garden was part of A seasonal journey

Victoria

Garden 3

We made this on Good Friday and were able to roll away the stone on Easter Day.

We used a small tent to make the tomb and a round table top was covered in white cloth to make the stone. Inside we had a light with the folded grave clothes.

It became an amazing space to interact with because it was big enough for children to crawl inside!

They loved it and it really helped us to tell the Easter story.

Cathy Picken
St Peter and St Paul's Church, Warsop

Garden 4

This garden was created on a table top in a corner of the church.

Hessian was thrown over the table and moss, stones and chippings were used to make the tomb, the garden and the paths through the garden.

Above the tomb stand three wooden crosses and next to the stone stands a candle.




Flowers in bowls and small containers were added. Blue shimmer stones (glass nuggets) were used to make a small pool.

The figures of the women hurrying away from the tomb were made from wooden artists' mannequins. They were dressed in long robes and headdresses made from felt.

Carolynn
Cambridge

Garden 5

This is one we did a couple of years ago in Buckden.

The school all made paper flowers (250 pupils - that's a lot of flowers!) Each class did their own thing, so we had several different varieties.

We stuck them to a triptych notice board, with some green sugar paper stuck to it for the hillside. The tomb was a basket with grey fabric over it, and the stone was the same fabric sewn around a ball made of old carrier bags.

People really loved it and a lot of the children brought their parents to church so they could see their flower in situ.

Ally Barrett

Garden 6

This small Easter garden was created by the congregation at a prayer station during the service.

A large plastic tray was filled with sand. Five granite blocks were used to create the tomb and the stone. Moss and ivy were gathered from the churchyard. The flowers were placed in water in small glass containers.

It was displayed in church the next week.

Sarah