From Garden to Table: Discovering God's gifts at the Dominican Sisters Daycare

In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth." (Genesis 1:1)

Forests and oceans, mountains and lakes—there are so many miracles of nature where humans can tangibly experience the beauty of God's world. As we look around, we can witness His power, omnipotence, and selfless love. ​​

Children attending our educational program at the Dominican Sisters Daycare Center learn about God's creation and redemption through daily Bible stories and actively discover God's presence in our world through various activities. One of the areas where they experience the significance of creation is our garden. Vegetables and flowers planted by the Sisters are not only a sight to behold but also an opportunity for the children's active participation in the beauty, effort, and fruit of God's work. Their hands-on involvement is a source of pride and joy for everyone and an essential aspect of our educational approach.

And God said, 'Behold, I have given you every plant yielding seed upon the face of all the earth, and every tree with seed in its fruit. You shall have them for food.' (Genesis 1:29)

At our daycare, outdoor time is not simply recess but an integral part of the curriculum. Our playground connects to the garden, where we frequently observe children's interest and natural desire to be in and learn about nature. It is simple proof that we are designed to participate in the work of creation and partner with God in managing our world. The garden is where we engage all our senses, develop understanding, test our abilities, and learn about collaboration, effort, and dedication.

Through the natural processes in the garden, children have a unique opportunity to explore and learn about the seasons and the life cycle of plants. This hands-on experience deepens their understanding of the natural world and fosters a sense of wonder and appreciation. They also discover God's grace as they pray for rain, sun, and wind. It's an exciting journey of discovery that we are thrilled to share with you.

For the Sisters and children, spring is a time for preparing the soil and planting seeds. It is also a time to learn patience, observation, and systematic care for the tiny seed hidden in the ground, trusting that God will sustain it. By observing the growth process firsthand, children develop a deeper understanding of botany, ecology, and environmental science. This knowledge enlightens them and helps them feel like participants in creation and co-creators of God's work, inspiring a sense of connection and shared purpose among parents and educators. Focusing on the children's active role in the growth process strengthens the support for the educational approach.

So, where do the veggies come from? They grow up, down, and around! Summer is when we first see the results as vegetables grow. The children taste fresh cucumbers, smell carrots, and compare the size and weight of green zucchini.

In autumn, during harvest, the children also learn to give thanks for God's gifts of fruits and vegetables. By collecting potatoes, beets, and carrots from the field, they learn to work together and appreciate the beautiful gifts God has given us. They also check what items from our garden made it to the lunch table and eagerly try all the veggies on their plates!
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There are many smiles at the Sisters' table as we share stories about the daily moments we witness during this process. For example, not everyone wants the items they collect to end up in the kitchen.

Here’s a great story from our garden lessons:

​As the children poured potatoes into the shared basket, Sister Zacharia noticed Antoni hiding a bucket of potatoes behind him. She approached and said, 'Antoni, you can put the collected potatoes into the basket here.' Antoni shook his head and replied, 'These are my potatoes; my mom will cook them for dinner.' There was no question of adding them to the basket—what Antoni collected was already his. He was delighted to provide dinner for his family and proudly placed the fruit of his labour in his locker!

The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to till it and keep it."
(Genesis 2:15)​

Caring for the garden helps shape children's sense of responsibility and pro-ecological attitudes, fostering skills such as organization, time management, and accountability. They learn that the earth provides food and that it must be cared for because our well-being depends on the health of the planet.
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Young children are receptive and enthusiastic learners, and when given the opportunity, they often surprise us with their remarkable understanding of the garden's lessons.

The children were disappointed when we couldn't go outside on a rainy spring morning. Sister explained that while it was unfortunate, we also needed to be grateful because Sister Salome had just planted some veggies, and they needed rain to grow. So, Jesus was helping Sister Salome.

​A few weeks later, we went outside on a lovely sunny day, but the weather quickly changed, and it started raining again. We had to go back inside and take off our outdoor clothes after spending quite a bit of time getting ready. 'Why?' Sister sighed. 'Because Jesus loves Sister Salome,' a 5-year-old girl nearby explained with a shrug. 'Let’s go.'

As educators, we are proud of the children’s learning journey and grateful for the support of parents and the community. We are confident they will carry the experiences of planning, nurturing, harvesting, and rejoicing in God's blessings into many areas of their lives. In a way, they are our garden, where we daily admire the mystery of life and collaborate with God in shaping a hopeful future for our world!

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Written by Sr. Zacharia Hryc, OP. Sister Zacharia is a Dominican Sister of Immaculate Conception Province. She is an Early Childhood educator at the Dominican Sister Daycare Centre, Calgary.