Gardens often remind us that meaningful growth begins with small, attentive acts of care — planting seeds, tending soil, watering patiently, and noticing quiet signs of life. The spirituality known as the Little Way, associated with St. Thérèse of Lisieux, emphasizes doing ordinary things with great love and trusting that even the smallest actions can bear fruit.
This issue of The Garden Connection reflects on how simple gestures in the garden can become expressions of generosity, hope, and care for creation. Through small acts of attention and service, gardens can nurture community and encourage us to recognize the presence of grace in everyday work.
Dear Friends, Happy feast day of St. Thérèse of Lisieux, the Little Flower. Thérèse reminds us that small acts, such as forgiving a slight, offering a real smile, or quietly pulling a weed no one will notice, can make the ordinary extraordinary. “Without love, deeds, even the most brilliant, count as nothing.” She promised to spend her heaven doing good on earth and is known for “showers of roses,” signs of her quiet intercession. Blessings,The CGN Team
How the Little Way looks in the garden
Bring one small bouquet. A simple, well-tended arrangement for the parish chapel or a neighbor who needs encouragement.
Tend the overlooked corner. Weed, water, or pick up litter where no one notices and offer it quietly, as love.
Grow to give. Plant one extra row of pantry-friendly veggies and harvest for donation.
Offer the nuisance. Heat, mosquitoes, muddy shoes – turn little annoyances into little prayers.
Notice the small. Thank God for the tiniest bloom or bee; let attention itself be an act of love.
Ask St. Thérèse for “roses.” Pause by a rosebush and pray for the graces your community needs today.
Garden Spotlight: Little Portion Hermitage & Monastery (Berryville, Arkansas)
Established in 1983, this contemplative oasis in the Ozarks dedicates over an acre to prayer gardens connected by cloistered walkways, shaded paths, and simple rest areas. Pilgrims pause at the stone Portiuncula (Franciscan Little Portion) Chapel and at Charity Chapel, designed by architect Albert Skiles and inspired by the 18th-century Franciscan missions of San Antonio, and adorned with icons from Ukraine. The grounds are lovingly tended by Mother Viola with the Brothers and Sisters of Charity, welcoming visitors to linger in quiet and prayer.
Click HERE to see more beautiful photos in the CGN Garden Directory
Garden Saints of October As autumn deepens and harvests come in, we turn to these saints, whose lives echo prayer, mercy, and care for creation. May their witness help us notice the small, tend what is entrusted to us, and let our gardens bless our neighbors.
St. Thérèse of Lisieux (October 1). Doctor of the Church and the “Little Flower,” whose Little Way finds holiness in small, loving acts, and who drew from gardens as a spiritual metaphor.
St. Francis of Assisi (October 4). Friend of creation and patron of ecology; inspires care for gardens, creatures, and our common home.
St. Faustina Kowalska (October 5). Apostle of Divine Mercy; a good companion for sharing harvests and simple gifts of beauty with neighbors.
Our Lady of the Rosary (October 7). The rosary as a “crown of roses”; a natural tie to Marian beds, rose plantings, and prayer in the garden.
St. Teresa of Ávila (October 15). Doctor of the Church who taught with garden images; “watering” the soul as we patiently tend the soil.
St. John Paul II (October 22). Championed the dignity of work and care for creation, and his teaching inspires garden efforts that serve the common good.
Garden Ministry Coordinator Anita Mills shares how the ministry grows food and hope with neighbors. In August 2024, Oklahoma Gardening featured the Tulsa Catholic Charities garden with Anita Mills. The garden is also in the CGN Garden Directory: see the listing here.
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