From The Editor

EDITORIAL

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ONE of the great joys of the lockdown created by the Coronavirus Covid-19 pandemic for many people (including me) was a rediscovery of our gardens.

Suddenly there was time to appreciate plants and wildlife – things which we had put off because of a lack of time.

Amid the sudden lockdown and a halt to many activities, we were blessed to discover a small independent garden centre which had started to deliver some gardening supplies.

Over the past few months I have carefully (and successfully) nurtured broccoli, cauliflower and carrot plants. Pumpkin plants have been cultivated from seed along with tomato plants. We already had some lettuce and onion seeds and some seed potatoes.

Among our delivery was a collection of herbs. Not the regular collection that you usually find in herb collections, but rather something with a twist – a mint with grapefruit scented leaves and a sage with tangerine scent! The delivery also included hyssop – a plant I had previously thought only to be decorative and did not realise its full potential as a flavoursome herb with lamb dishes! I have always loved herbs and regularly have pots of fresh growing supplies on my kitchen window sill.

I was reminded that hyssop is among the herbs and plants mentioned in the Bible – it is administered to Jesus on the cross – and it was this which inspired this month’s cover feature.

Gardens – both private and public – have been rediscovered in recent months as we have been forced to stay at home to try and counter the effects of the global pandemic.

For those who have had to shield and live behind closed doors, gardens have, for some, become a sanctuary or sacred space.

”During months of enforced isolation this year, gardens have become sacred spaces for many – sanctuaries and places of peace and quiet reflection.

On researching this month’s feature I found gardens with biblical plants fell into two categories – those specifically designed to recreate the scents and smells of the Bible (and to provide solace) or as a sacred space offering a place for prayer, reflection and peace.

During months of enforced isolation this year, gardens have become sacred spaces for many – sanctuaries and places of peace and quiet reflection. Smells, sounds and colour can all add to the impact. Our gardening deliveries were not just restricted to the practical – there were collections of violas and petunias – all making an impact on our family’s sacred space by offering fragrance and a welcome splash of colour.

In connecting with the creation gifted to us by God, we can also provide further reminders of our connection with him through the sights, sounds and smells recorded in the Bible as we enjoy our own personal sacred spaces.

Lynne McNeil Editor

This article appears in the August 2020 Issue of Life and Work

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