1. Home
  2.  » 
  3. Song List
  4.  » If I Planted a Garden

If I Planted a Garden

…whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.

Galations 6:7 KJV

About the Song

Each of the songs I wrote for my children begin with “If…” This life is one big if-then proposition, and I want my kids to know it. This song was written for my son, Daniel, when he was still a baby.

I didn’t know why I was writing about gardening at the time–I hadn’t yet discovered the joy of growing flowers, and I hate vegetable gardening. But as I sat in his room one night as he slept, it seemed appropriate for him somehow. As he grew older, I learned why. During his childhood he was never happier than while watering his snapdragons or digging in the dirt.

Church Music Contest: Children’s Song Division – Award of Distinction 1993
Appeared in The Friend magazine (under the incorrect title “Plant a Garden”) March 1997

Spotify, Soundcloud (inc. free downloads)

Click the Soundcloud download icon to download the free track for personal use.

Recording featuring vocals by Allyse Smith Taylor:


Flute by Mara Riley

Accompaniment track:


Flute by Mara Riley
Apple Music, Amazon

These files may be copied/shared in any quantity in any physical format unless otherwise noted. They may not be re-sold or offered for download.

YouTube

Lyrics

If I planted a garden, if I carefully sowed
If I nourished each tiny seed
If I tended it well and helped it to grow
What a beautiful harvest I’d reap

In my life, like a garden, there are seeds to be sown
I must choose with the greatest care
Planting only what’s good, so I can be sure
Only beautiful things will grow there

I am planting my garden every day of my life,
And the harvest is mine to keep
If I plant seeds of faith, of honor and truth
What a beautiful harvest I’ll reap

If you have questions, please check the FAQ
If you don't find your answer there, feel free to post your question here. 🙂

8 Comments

  1. Jody Basson

    Good day,is it possible that you could send me the backing track as I want my Sunday school kids to perform this piece.

    Reply
  2. Yømie

    What a nice and peaceful song

    Reply
  3. Lilly

    What a beautiful song! Thank you Sally, you are a great help for me and my chorus. Your music is always inspiring.

    Reply
  4. Almz

    Praise God for the gift of talent given to Sally Deford many souls were lifted and comforted through your songs. Just like to know how can I avail the accompaniment of this song trying to look in YouTube there’s none..Thnx for the repose to God be the glory!!

    Reply
  5. Ty

    Our chorus sang this song at a bishop ordination. It sounded beautiful!

    Reply
  6. bubbles

    Its truly a beautiful song and the lyrics as well. Its a daily inspiring quote for everyone who needs a little inspiring every now and then. Thank you for the writer of this blessed tune for writing such inspiring words.

    Reply
  7. Yutichus

    Blessed song and angelic young voices. thanks.

    Reply
  8. Mutya

    I just would like to thank the Lord and Sally Deford for sharing wonderful spiritually uplifting music. I personally benefit from her music. I am sharing your music to friends, churchmates and even the kids I am handling now. Thank you so much. May God continue to bless you. Praises be unto God almighty!

    Reply

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Don't see what you want here? Try one of these great sites:

  • Sheet Music Plus

    They have just about everything, secular and sacred–usually at a discount.

  • Free Sacred Sheet Music

    Free, downloadable religious music. 4500+ selections. Publish your own music there as well!

(Affiliate links. Use them if you’d like to help fund this site.)