Catholic Gardens

Imagine having Catholic gardens without fences everywhere around the world where people could enter into and spend time with God in silent prayer day and/or night without fear of danger.  Gardens of Eden they are not, nor are they reminiscent of Monet's Garden at Giverny [1], nor the grounds of Peterhof in Saint Petersburg [2].  Rather, these gardens ought to be intimate, simple and low-maintenance without ponds and bridges, fountains and palaces and an abundance of blossoms that distract from the tranquility and peace that they are intended to provide.  In each, a crucifix and a statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary would be present.

Trimming of trees, manicuring the bushes, maintenance of sprinklers and weeding would be done by volunteers.  A collection box to pay for water will be inside the Catholic church nearest to the garden.  Solar-powered landscaping lights and maintenance parts will come from donors.

A sheltered traditional Nativity scene would be placed in every garden during Christmas.  Trees and shrubs would be decorated using donated solar-powered Christmas lights.

When there can be someone in attendance at all times to accompany the Body of Christ placed within a monstrance, Eucharistic Adoration would be possible inside a garden.

Finally, there would just be some draconian rules that need to be observed:  no smoking, no pets, no food, no drinks, no music, no telephone and other sounds, no talking, no whispering, no crying children, no coughing and no saying the rosary out loud.  After all, these Catholic gardens are places where people go to be with God, to be at peace without distraction.



[1] Photograph of Monet's garden below is from http://giverny-france.com/ (this is picture number 9 counting from left to right, down on the third row):

[2] Photograph of Peterhof's Grand Cascade below is from https://en.peterhofmuseum.ru/multimedia (click on Peterhof on the left, and under Peterhof, click on Grand Cascade, go to number 10 of 50):