A couple of years ago, our family had fun making a miniature Easter garden.  This was a simple, inexpensive and yet memorable way for us to celebrate the true meaning of Easter.

Supplies to Gather Ahead of Time

1 large, shallow bowl

1 large tin can ~ about 4 inches in diameter and 4 inches tall, empty, with the lid removed.  We actually had a section of PVC pipe about this size and it worked really well.

paper and pen ~ we used off-white, parchment style paper

scotch tape

scissors

spray bottle

Items for Your Family or Friends to Find

gravel

dirt

branches and twigs

small stones

1 larger stone, about 3 inches in diameter

moss ~ if you don’t have moss outside where you live, you may want to get this ahead of time.

any nature items they believe would look good in a miniature garden

Putting it All Together

Place the gravel in the bottom 3/4 (or so) of the bowl.  Position the tin can in the center of the gravel, on its side, half-way buried in the gravel so it looks more like a cave. Place dirt on top of the gravel and up and over the can. Mound dirt up behind the can so it looks like a hill.  Spray a bit of water on the dirt to help it stay in place and to help the moss stick in place.  Place the moss over the dirt.  Add a curved path of small stones leading to the garden tomb.  Make a miniature sign that says “He is Risen”, using 2 little sticks, the paper, pen, scissors and tape.  Add miniature trees and shrubs using the branches and other nature items you gathered outside.

I got the idea for this miniature Easter Garden from my cousin, Kim.  Thanks for the great idea Kim!  Our family enjoyed this activity as part of our Family Home Evening on Easter Sunday.  It would be a great activity for Youth Groups or “family home evening groups” at college also.

I hope we can always treasure the true meaning of Easter!