Saint Phocas was a holy hermit who lived at the time of the emperor Diocletian. He lived alone on the Black Sea in a tiny cottage devoting his life to prayer and tending his small garden. He was known for his hospitality and no guest would leave without some of the produce of his labor. At the end of his life his Roman executioners came looking for him. He generously hosted them in his home overnight while throughout the night he dug his own grave. In the morning, he declared that it was he whom they were looking for and he urged them to complete their work. They were shocked and reluctant and urged him to recant which he refused to do.
Saint Phocas is considered the patron saint of gardeners. Turning rotting leaves and other compost into rich soil is a humble task and a reminder of what we too are made of and to what we will return.