One of the quiet joys of monastic life is the opportunity to work with our hands while lifting our hearts to God.

Among our newer novice monks is a man with a particular gift and love for the natural world. Whether tending plants, preparing a flower bed, or simply observing the changing seasons, he finds great peace outdoors. Gardening is not merely a hobby for him; it is part of how he prays. The beauty, order, balance and rhythm of creation draw him closer to the Creator.

Those who know him will recognise a God given creativity that seems to emerge naturally whenever he is working in the grounds. Over recent months, he has begun introducing a number of Mediterranean-style plants suited to the sandy soil that is so prevalent around St Augustine’s Abbey, Chilworth. The early results have already brought colour and life to areas of the monastery grounds.

He is not one to ask for anything. In fact, this request arose only because he casually mentioned to one of our volunteers how much he would enjoy continuing this planting project if suitable plants became available.

With Fr Abbot’s blessing, we are therefore making a rather unusual appeal.

If you happen to have any surplus Mediterranean or drought-tolerant plants that would thrive in sandy soil and that you are no longer able to use, we would be delighted to hear from you over the coming weeks. Lavender, rosemary, cistus, santolina, salvias and other suitable varieties may all find a welcome home within the monastery grounds.

These plants would not simply beautify the Abbey. They would also support a novice monk whose love of creation, practical work, and prayer are deeply intertwined.

If you would like to discuss donating plants, please contact us through the Abbey website here.

It is an unusual request, perhaps, but one that means a great deal to our Monastic Community. Through the generosity of others, a small gardening project may continue to flourish helping to make the monastery grounds ever more welcoming, prayerful and reflective of the beauty of God's creation. Thank you.

St Augustine's Abbey, Chilworth, UK

May 2026