The Garden Connection – June 2025 | Rooted in Community: Gardens that Bring People Together

As summer unfolds, gardens offer visible signs of growth – not only in plants, but in the relationships and shared purpose that take root when people care for the land together. Gardens can become places of welcome, learning, generosity, and quiet beauty.

This issue of The Garden Connection highlights the many ways gardens foster community and invite thoughtful care for creation across a wide range of settings.

Read the full newsletter:

https://mailchi.mp/f9fa88bbb7ea/rooted-in-communitysee-whats-blooming-this-summer

June 30, 2025

Summer is in full bloom – and so is the Catholic Garden Network! Across the country, gardens rooted in Catholic communities are growing food, supporting pollinators, nurturing prayer, and building relationships grounded in care and creation. We’re sharing moments of celebration, resilience, and generosity – from summer events and grant awards to quiet reminders of why gardens matter. Whether you tend a garden, support one, or simply admire their beauty – thank you for being part of this growing network.

🌱 Garden Spotlight: St. Rose and Clement Parish Garden (Warwick, RI)

This month we’re shining a light on the vibrant and faithful garden ministry at St. Rose and Clement Parish in Warwick, Rhode Island.

Founded around 2005 as an Eagle Scout project, with guidance from master gardener Barbara Melone – this 100×100 ft garden has become a powerful expression of love for neighbor. Each season, volunteers grow tomatoes, peppers, beans, garlic, squash, pumpkins, and more – all donated to the West Bay Community Action food pantry and the parish’s Mother Teresa Ministry free meal program.

In 2022, the garden was dedicated to longtime volunteer Don Cerullo, who passed away from COVID. His spirit lives on through the work of the garden committee, parish school students, and scouts.

The garden uses organic practices, compost, and soaker hoses, and is gradually replacing aging wooden beds with concrete block structures. More helping hands are needed—especially adults and young people able to take on larger projects.

“Despite the enormity of challenges over the past several years, the garden continues – and every year, through God’s grace, a new miracle occurs to keep us going.”

💚 You don’t need a green thumb – just a generous heart and a willingness to serve. All are welcome.

Garden Saints of June June includes the feast days of several saints who inspire our work in Catholic gardens: St. Paula Frassinetti (June 11) – Founder of the Sisters of St. Dorothy, she devoted her life to education and care for the poor. Her legacy reflects the nurturing spirit of a garden, and her connection to  St. Dorothy, patroness of gardeners, makes her a fitting companion for all who cultivate life and learning. St. Anthony of Padua (June 13) – Patron of lost things, and often depicted with lilies and the Christ Child. St. Romuald (June 19) – A hermit whose life of solitude and prayer reminds us that gardens can be places of quiet encounter with God.

St. John the Baptist (June 24) – A wild prophet whose life in the wilderness reminds us of the spiritual depth of the natural world. Sts. Peter and Paul (June 29) – Foundational pillars of the Church, real people called to bear fruit in unexpected ways.