In recent years, many religious schools have found that creating gardens using biblical plants is a highly effective way to instil in students an admiration for ecology and develop an interest to care for nature – literally weaving the school curriculum and values into the landscape.
Conversely, many of the facets of these gardens are highly symbolic, for instance one typically powerful design treatment being the use of a row boat. This references many biblical stories, for example that of apostles whom were fishermen; Peter called out of the boat by Jesus to walk on water as a test of his faith; or that, like a boat on the ocean, lived experience includes times of calm and times of storms.
Breaking Down Barriers with Open Spaces
According to Martin Crabb from Programmed Property Services, who has worked with a number of schools in advising on biblical grounds and landscaping projects, the physical setting has been shown to help students visualise abstract metaphors which often prove difficult to grasp. However, he explains that the most significant benefit schools find is the ability to link ecology and religious studies.
These open spaces are ideal when students require one-to-one counselling, allowing teachers to break down barriers outside the usual classroom or school office environment.
Another key benefit is the ability to create a perfect venue for taking music outside. Then there’s the wonderful capacity of plants and landscaped outdoor areas to stimulate all the senses – sound, sight, smell, touch and taste being one of the best ways for young people to experience and learn about the world.
But most importantly, Crabb says, history can be brought alive though biblical gardens, for example linking stories of Saint Francis of Assisi who taught people to protect and enjoy nature, and Pope Francis’s ongoing campaign to protect nature.
“There are 148 plants described in the Bible and all of them can be used to tell a story,” Crabb says. “Take the common bay tree or laurel – laurus nobilis in Latin, which means ‘praise’ and ‘nobility’. Why not use it as a hedge? The leaves have a culinary value, and they could even be used in home economics classes.”
Learn About Biblical Gardens From Our Open Space Team
There are hundreds more stories like that, with plants ranging from almonds and coriander through to olives and wormwood.
Click here to contact Programmed for more information from our Open Space team.
Biblical Plants FAQs
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What is the most holy plant?
The olive tree is often considered the most holy plant in the Bible. It symbolises peace, blessing, and God’s provision. Olive oil was used for anointing kings and priests, making it central to worship and spiritual rituals. The olive branch also represents reconciliation, as seen in the story of Noah.
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What flowers did Jesus like in the Bible?
The Bible does not record Jesus expressing preference for specific flowers. However, He referenced “lilies of the field” in His teachings to illustrate God’s care and provision. These flowers symbolise beauty, simplicity, and trust in God rather than concern for material needs.
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What is the holiest flower in the Bible?
The lily is often regarded as the holiest flower in the Bible. It symbolises purity, renewal, and divine care. Frequently mentioned in poetic books like Song of Solomon, the lily represents beauty and spiritual devotion, and is commonly associated with God’s provision and grace.
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What plant did Jesus curse in the Bible?
Jesus cursed a fig tree because it bore no fruit despite appearing healthy. This act symbolised spiritual fruitlessness and served as a warning against hypocrisy—appearing faithful outwardly while lacking genuine righteousness and good works.
