ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½

It's flower season, and as gardens burst with summer blooms, Claire McCollum visits Yorkshire to explore the deeper spiritual meaning of gardens and how they can help bring people closer to God.

In beautiful York Gate Garden near Leeds, Claire talks with associate professor Joanna Leidenhag from the University of Leeds about the gardens that feature so prominently in the Bible: from the garden of Eden at the very beginning to the promise of a new Eden in the book of Revelation. Joanna explains that gardens are more than just symbols – they teach us about God's kindness, creativity and our duty to look after creation.

We also hear from Ian and Linda Robinson at High Dalby House. They share how they turned seven acres of woodland into a peaceful place for prayer and reflection, part of the Quiet Garden Movement. Neither of them were gardeners before, but they felt inspired to create special spaces where faith and nature come together.

Lastly, Claire meets Grace, a city gardener who has turned empty, neglected urban spaces into lively, colourful gardens. For her, gardening has become a spiritual practice – bringing hope, community and purpose to her neighbourhood. Claire learns how Grace’s gardening helps care for God’s world, encourages biodiversity and provides a sense of connection and meaning.

With songs that celebrate our natural world and God the creator.

1. Praise to the Holiest – Leeds Cathedral
2. Before the Throne of God Above – Eastbourne Bandstand
3. Be Still for the Presence of the Lord – Down Cathedral, Downpatrick
4. Wildflowers – Our Atlantic Roots at the Eden Project, Cornwall
5. Way Maker – Gas Street Church, Birmingham
6. For the Beauty of the Earth – The Hospital of St Cross, Winchester