The Garden (Also known as The Garden Cartoon) is an American Christian children's musical animated web series created in 2019 by Butch Hartman, who co-produced it with his wife Julieann. Released on January 1, 2023 on PureFlix, the series centers around a duo of anthropomorphic animals composed of a lion named Lenny and a lamb named Lucy, who do a variety of daily tasks and receive advice from the Boss, a disembodied voice that is represented as a rainbow.
Cast and characters Cristina M. Medina as Lucy the Lamb, Joy, Clarice, Benny, Queen Bee, Ellie James Arnold Taylor as Lenny the Lion, Randy, Batmane, Porcupine Brian Stivale as The Boss, Captain Snappy Katie Leigh as Grace Butch Hartman as Delivery Man, Mr. Toothacher, Cuckoo Charlie, Various Animals Danny Gokey as Blake Drake Raul Meza as Troops, Gallery of Bees Jessica Weyman as Mitzi
Episodes Episode List 1. Truth is the Mane Thing / Where Your Treasure Is
TV-Y • 21 min • May 1, 2024
2. Humble Bee / Cloud Nine
TV-Y • 22 min • May 1, 2024
3. Prehistoric Papa / Finding Joy
TV-Y • 21 min • May 1, 2024
4. Banana Burgers / Stake Out, Fake Out
TV-Y • 21 min • May 1, 2024
5. The Wanderer / Spots and Stripes
TV-Y • 24 min • May 1, 2024
6. Rocket Riter / Lots of Lennys
TV-Y • 24 min • May 1, 2024
7. Double Trouble / Fish and Ship
TV-Y • 22 min • May 1, 2024
8. Amazing Space / Brush with Fame
TV-Y • 25 min • May 1, 2024
9. Shear Happiness / Party of One
TV-Y • 24 min • May 1, 2024
10. Seeds of Love / Three's a Crowd
TV-Y • 24 min • May 1, 2024
Production and release After creating The Garden in 2019, Hartman planned to produce at least two seasons, launch a subscription-based app for the series in late 2022, create a VBS curriculum for churches, and illustrate a children's Bible published by Thomas Nelson titled The Garden Children's Bible, which was released in 2023. The series premiered on Pure Flix on January 1, 2023. Season 1 has since aired on The Garden Cartoon App, Prime Video, Apple TV, Angel, Google Play, and other streamers.
Season 2 premiered exclusively on Angel with weekly episodes starting March 25, 2026.
Films The first compilation film adaptation of The Garden, A Garden Cartoon Movie: The Greatest Thing Ever!, had a home release in July 2025. Angel Studios partnered with Butch Hartman to produce The Christmas King! A Garden Cartoon Movie, which was released later that year.
Reception
Critical reception Jose Solís of Common Sense Media said, "It's hard to resist an animated film that truly wants to entertain without talking down to its audience. In A Garden Cartoon Movie: The Greatest Thing Ever!, the filmmakers strike a smart balance between catchy songs, quirky humor, and simple life lessons."
Awards and nominations +YearAwardCategoryNominee(s)ResultRef.2023Voice Arts AwardsOutstanding Animation Character - Film or TV - Best VoiceoverCristina M. Medina as Lucy2025Faith in Film FestivalBest AnimationThe Garden Cartoon, "Shear Happiness"2026International Christian Film & Music FestivalBest Animated FilmThe Garden CartoonThe Greatest Thing Ever! A Garden Cartoon Movie
References