Novice monk's love of gardening inspires unusual appeal for plants

Brother Ambrose

The Benedictine monastery of St Augustine's Abbey, Chilworth near Guildford is making an unusual appeal for donations of surplus garden plants after one of its new novice monks expressed a desire to continue developing areas of the monastery grounds.
The novice, who has a particular love of nature and gardening, finds working outdoors both rewarding and spiritually enriching. Gardening has become an important part of his prayer life, helping him to reflect on the beauty of creation while contributing to the life of the monastery.

Having already begun planting a number of Mediterranean-style species suited to the Abbey's sandy soil, he casually mentioned to a volunteer that he would enjoy expanding the project if suitable plants became available.

With the blessing of Fr Abbot, the monastery is now inviting anyone with surplus Mediterranean or drought-tolerant plants to consider donating them over the coming weeks. Suitable plants could help enhance the Abbey grounds while supporting a project that means a great deal to the community.

Anyone wishing to discuss a possible plant donation is invited to make contact through the Abbey website: www.chilworthbenedictines.com/contact-us

The Monastic Community recognises that it is an unusual request, but one that reflects the Benedictine appreciation of prayer, work, hospitality and care for creation. With many thanks.

St Augustine's Abbey, Chilworth GU4 8QR welcomes the public to daily Roman Catholic Mass (9am weekdays, 10am Sundays) and daily Divine office often sung in ancient Latin Gregorian Chant.