Religious Gardening: Herbs to Include in a Mary Garden

Mary Gardens are planted spaces in the landscape designed to give glory to the Virgin Mary. They are planted with biblical herbs, plants that have either biblical or holy names, and peppered with stepping stones and shrines. Usually round in size, these gardens are diverse with low and tall plants to create visual depth and design. They tend to have stepping stones that lead up to a Virgin Mary statue, birdbath, or fountain. They may be larger Mary Gardens with both a statue and a fountain. It is a place of serenity and reflection, one that is tended in meditation. It is a wonderful way to share the toil of gardening with your children while teaching them about your faith. Many times they will ask "Why is this called Mary's Hand?" or what the plants symbolize. Mary Gardens bring parents and children together in faith and understanding, and each year with the planting of new flowers a renewed interest in its true meanings.

Don't forget to mark your Mary garden plot, till the soil, and amend it with additives before you begin. Start with a clear palate, and think as you work the earth and pull the weeds how we would all like to rid our lives of the weeds that grow there. Once your soil is worked well and ready for plants, distribute them in the plot. As you plant, think about what things you would like to seed and take hold in your own life. What would you like to grow and flourish? Finish with stepping stones, the statue or fountain, and see the peace and serenity of the space you've created. Keep it mulched and watered, pulling stray weeds (which is great after a Church service while the spirit is still strong within you).

Biblical herbs were grown in medieval monastery gardens or through missionary works. They have more common names and their religious names, in addition to their botanical scientific names. Most of the names of the herbs have come from either the plant's shape, its fragrance, or perhaps for what it was used for medicinally in healing.