The climate crisis has reminded us that care for creation is a Christian duty and that we need to live in harmony with nature. Holy Cross is a member of Eco Congregation Scotland and part of our commitment to the environment is expressed in care for our grounds.

We are blessed with beautiful gardens around our church that are looked after by volunteers from the congregation. There are lawns, flowerbeds, hedges and trees, creating a sense of calm space and connection with God’s creation. Our grounds are also used for social events such as the Davidson’s Mains & Silverknowes Christmas Market and the Holy Cross Barbecue.

Each year we have a number of Garden Days when members of the congregation and local community gather to weed, trim hedges and edges, rake leaves and do other necessary work. These are also social events with refreshments provided. If you are a keen gardener or would just like to help in our gardens at any time (you don’t need to be a member of our congregation), email web@holycrossedinburgh.org.

The grounds also contain a productive vegetable and flower garden which is maintained by a small number of keen gardeners. The produce, including potatoes, beans, artichoke, radishes, lettuce, beetroot, courgettes, onions and herbs, is available in season in the hall after our main Sunday service. The proceeds are used to maintain and develop the garden and to donate to charity.

In the corner on the south side of the church, partly enclosed by wrought iron railings, is the Garden of Remembrance, where the cremated remains of departed members of the congregation are interred.

The gardens at Holy Cross are a great space for personal prayer and contemplation and they are blessed each year on Rogation Sunday, the Sunday before Ascension, when we process round them, blessing the earth with holy water and praying for its fruits and all who work on the land and sea.