Springtime Joy

Rev Kate Bottley visits the brand new RHS Garden Bridgewater in Salford. She joins volunteers planting seeds and bulbs in the gardens, due to open to the public in May, and reflects on the signs of hope this represents.

Christian author Ruth Valerio tells Kate how gardens are symbolic of the Christian faith throughout the Bible, from Genesis to Revelation. Gifted Christian mouth artist Ian Parker describes how faith and painting have inspired him since teenage years. And Gemma Hunt visits Nigel and Rachel Stephens in Stockport, whose community project Fit and Fed has brought fun to families through cooking.

Hymns and songs come from across the UK: And Can It Be, All Things Bright and Beautiful, He Has Made Me Glad, Jesus Shall Reign, Now the Green Blade Riseth, and Indescribable. Martin Smith performs his song Great Is Your Faithfulness.