Mary Gardens

History and Symbolism Mary Gardens were created to symbolize the life, virtues, and mysteries of Mary, the Blessed Virgin and Mother of God, and her son Jesus in the popular religious traditions of the medieval world. A Mary Garden is a sacred garden with a statue or shrine of the Virgin Mary, and the plants and flowers symbolize various legends or traditions associated with Mary and Jesus.

Mary Gardens are valued because of the peace, comfort, and inspiration they bring to their visitors. Medieval Catholics from as early as the seventh century were reminded of Mary and Jesus in the flowers and herbs growing around them. The first main reference to the Garden of Mary is from the life of St. Fiacre. He was known for planting and taking care of a garden that honored the oratory to Our Lady in France.

There are several flowers in a Mary Garden that have developed symbolism. The first one is the lily. This is special because according to church tradition, Mary’ s tomb was filled with roses and lilies when Thomas saw her ascend to heaven. Another flower is the lavender. Tradition again states that when Mary’ s clothes were hung to dry, they assumed the scent of this flower.

Ecological and Spiritual Significance Native plants in the Mary Garden can have ecological and spiritual benefits for our planet and those who live in it. Mary Gardens contain native species in an attempt to address the loss of biodiversity on the planet. Biodiverse ecosystems are essential for the maintenance of all life. To support biodiversity, the Saint Kateri Conservation Center encourages the use of native alternatives to the traditional plants found in the original Mary Gardens of Europe.

These gardens are also designed to be places of beauty and to remind us that Jesus and Mary are inviting us to experience God’s creation. These plants are known to be transformed into objects of meditation and our signs of our ultimate end. Planting Mary Gardens is an act of faith and is a special way to honor our blessed Mary and reflect upon her virtues. All Mary Gardens in some sense possess the original truth and beauty of the first garden created.

Dig Deeper

Fish Eaters. “Mary Gardens.” 28 September 2017, www.fisheaters.com/marygardens.html.

Goshorn, Audrey. “What Is a Mary Garden (And Why You Should Have

One). ” 26 May 2020, www.stjoegold.org/parishnews/2020/5/26/what-is-a-mary-garden-and-why-you-shouldhave-one

Rice, Fr. Larry. “Did You Know ... About Mary Gardens?” www.burningheartsdisciples.org/blog/mary-gardens.html.

Saint Kateri Conservation Center. “Mary Gardens Featuring Native Plants: A Spiritual Experience. ” 9 March 2020, www.kateri.org/mary-gardens-for-a-spiritual-experience/.