“The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it,” so says the ancient Psalmist (24:1). If that is true, then the lawns which surround our homes and the gardens we plant in the back yard are the Lord’s too. As the offspring of Adam and Eve, the first commissioned gardeners of the original garden planted by God, are tasked with caring for these lawns and gardens. So, as the winter fades and the warm spring emerges, we are summoned by the God of annual renewal to care for these plots of life. While the national and international commitment to the earth is driving us east of Eden, covering the globe with darkness, the little spot of earth God allows us to care for is gift. It is a land of promise.
Tending to our lawns and gardens, you see, is not just about making them visually appealing but also about fulfilling our calling as stewards of God’s earth. As Christians, we have a responsibility to care for creation in a way that honors God, sustains life, and preserves the environment for future generations. We are not helpless even in the land east of Eden. This spring of 2025 transcends Project 2025 and we have the God-given opportunity to tend to our outdoor spaces with eco-friendly methods (with or without our dog's supervision!) that reflect our faith and respect for God’s creation.
Preparing the Soil
Before planting anything, it is important to ensure that the soil is healthy and rich in nutrients. We can avoid chemical fertilizers which harm the environment and instead opt for organic compost. There is something soul enriching about digging into the compost bin with your hands to feel God’s miraculous recycling effect. Composting food scraps and yard waste not only enriches the soil naturally, it also reduces waste, a step toward faithful living. Adding natural mulch, such as wood chips or straw, helps retain moisture, reduces the need for excessive watering, and prevents weed growth. Remember, God has designed creation to work in harmony, and we can mimic that wisdom by using sustainable methods.
Choosing the Right Plants
Selecting plants that are native to your region is a way to work with God’s design rather than against it. Native plants require less water and are naturally resistant to local pests and diseases. This reduces the need for pesticides and fertilizers that can harm beneficial insects and water sources. Additionally, planting flowers and shrubs that attract pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds is a simple yet powerful way to support biodiversity. God has given us these incredible creatures to sustain plant life, and our efforts to nurture them contribute to the flourishing of God’s creation.
Watering with Care
Water is one of God’s most precious resources, and using it wisely is an act of faithful stewardship. Instead of relying on sprinklers that waste water, consider drip irrigation systems that deliver water directly to the roots of plants. Rain barrels can also be installed to collect and store rainwater for later use, reducing reliance on municipal water supplies. Watering early in the morning or late in the evening minimizes evaporation and ensures that plants receive the hydration they need. Remember, Jesus Himself spoke of water as a source of life, and by using it with spiritual reverence, we bear witness to this sacred and essential gift.
Working with Creation, Not Against It
Instead of using harsh chemical pesticides that disrupt ecosystems, consider natural alternatives that align with God’s plan for balance in nature. Companion planting—placing plants that naturally deter unwanted insects next to vulnerable crops—can significantly reduce insect damage. For example, marigolds repel nematodes and aphids, making them great companions for tomatoes and peppers. Encouraging beneficial insects such as ladybugs and praying mantises can also help keep pest populations in check without harmful chemicals. These small, hardly noticeable creatures are part of God’s intricate design, and welcoming them into our gardens is an acknowledgment of God’s wisdom.
Sustainable Lawn Care Practices
In the 18th century, lush green lawns became a status symbol, signifying wealth and power. More recently, the world has begun to notice the damage these pristine lawns cause. This doesn’t mean green lawns are to be wiped off the face of the world. Healthy lawns can be maintained in a way that is both beautiful and environmentally responsible. Instead of using synthetic fertilizers, consider natural lawn care alternatives such as compost tea or organic lawn feeds. Mowing less frequently and at a higher setting allows grass roots to grow deeper, making the lawn more drought-resistant and reducing the need for extra watering. Leaving grass clippings on the lawn acts as a natural fertilizer, replenishing the soil with nutrients. This method, called “grasscycling,” reduces waste and encourages healthier turf. By maintaining our lawns in harmony with nature, we demonstrate respect for the small parcel of land God has entrusted to us.
Caring for God's Creation
As we prepare our lawns and gardens for spring, let’s keep in mind our calling to be good stewards of the earth. The language of Genesis is simple and clear. God placed Adam in the Garden of Eden to “work it and take care of it.” And while we sometimes feel overwhelmed by how powerful people are polluting, abusing, and exploiting the earth, we can exercise our agency in caring for the land God has put under our feet. It’s an opportunity to bring God glory, cultivate beauty, nurture life, and be stewards of God’s earth.
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