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St Andrew's Church, Taunton

Inheriting Paradise - Meditations on Gardening

by  Vigen Guroian

Reviewed by Adrian Smith

“I am a theologian and a college professor”, writes the author.  “I like being both.  But what I really love to do - what I get exquisite pleasure from doing - is to garden.  I think that gardening is nearer to godliness than theology.”  I remember writing in this magazine some months ago that I often find a greater sense of God’s presence in my allotment than I do in church, so when I read  these opening lines from Vigen Guroian’s delightful little book I was immediately hooked.

There are a series of reflections in which the seasons of the Christian year are linked to what Mr Guroian observes in his garden.  This is an effective device, and the writing bears the stamp of integrity - there is real inspiration here.  The author makes excellent use of quotations throughout this short book, especially from the liturgy of the Armenian Orthodox Church, which is extremely beautiful and rich, including this Ode for Eastertide.

“A bright new flower has appeared this day out of the tomb.

Souls have blossomed and are adorned with divers hues, and have become green with life.

The florescence of divine light has bloomed in the spiritual spring.”

Amongst the reflections there are some really helpful insights: “The Christian gardener ... respects the fact that God appoints each soul to be “the sort of garden it is to be.”  ... Some of us will be contemplative in the manner of a rose garden, and others more earthy and restless, like a potato patch.”

This is a short (90 pages) book, but comprises good spiritual food for any Christian who has ever felt a sense of wonder at growing things, or has had a sense of God’s presence in their garden.  It makes an inspiring read for this time of year, whether you are a rose garden, or, like me, a “potato patch” Christian!

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