Parishioners and clergy at St. Columba’s Church, Port Erin on the Isle of Man have come together to transform unused waste areas around the church and turn it into a beautiful, useful, and sustainable garden.

The idea stemmed from the flower group at the church, who were becoming more conscious of the increasing cost of flowers for decorating the church.

Not wanting to rely on second collections, they decided to plant their own flowers in a series of cutting beds outside the church. This would not only reduce costs, but also beautify the previously unused areas outside the church.

The idea quickly caught the parish’s enthusiasm, and many parishioners willingly and thoughtfully donated disused gardening tools, as well as cuttings and shrubs from their gardens.  

The wider community also got involved and donated bags of manure and unused lawnmowers after a request for help on social media.

Deacon Graeme Easton said: “The project started on a cold February day, with priests donning their work gloves to join the initial work party to lift the flagstones, which were then sold online to raise funds for more bulbs and tools.

"Plant donations were bountiful, and very quickly people were donating rose bushes in memory of loved ones or even to mark a parish baptism.

“The project has successfully drawn the community together, whilst enhancing the environment of the church. A “sit-a-while” bench has also been donated by some parishioners for anyone who wishes to sit quietly and pray, or simply enjoy the fruits of God’s beautiful world.

“As this year marks the centenary of St. Columba’s, the garden has been named the Centenary Garden. A suitable wall has been designated for plaques to deceased parishioners, including Fr. Gerry Hurst who served the Parish for 34 years, Fr. Michael Pinot who for many years spent his holidays from school assisting in the parish, and Sr. Zena Carus, previous parish sister.

“On Sunday 30 July, after Mass, there was a procession to the garden where it was blessed by the Parish Priest Fr Joseph Kiganda, and officially opened by parishioner Olive Maher, who is only five years younger than the church! The service finished appropriately by singing ‘All Things Bright and Beautiful’.”