He was collecting herbs
The Friar is collecting herbs and plants for medicinal purposes.
The Friar is collecting herbs and flowers from his garden to use in his medicines and remedies. He is likely focused on his work and not expecting any interruptions.
Friar Lawrence's rationale for collecting herbs is that they can be turned into useful potions. If you want to know his rationale for doing one of the many other things he does in the play, you need to be more specific.
Friar Laurence is gathering herbs and flowers in a garden when he is first introduced in Shakespeare's play "Romeo and Juliet." He is collecting these natural ingredients to make medicines and potions for healing and curing ailments.
Friar John -The only other Friar who appears in the story 8)
the friar... the friar...
Friar John
Romeo and Juliet, II, viFRIAR LAURENCE: The sweetest honeyIs loathsome in his own deliciousness,And in the taste confounds the appetite.Therefore love moderately; long love doth so.Romeo and Juliet, II, viFRIAR LAURENCE: Too swift arrives as tardy as too slow.
A friar is a male.
If you are referring to Francis of Assisi, he was both a friar and a deacon.
He sends a friend and fellow friar, Friar John, with a letter.
Friar Tuck
Friar Laurence asks Friar John to deliver a letter to Romeo explaining the plan to fake Juliet's death.