Spring is around the corner. Have you thought of planting a garden to honor Mary? It is a beautiful way to show devotion to the Blessed Mother. It can be as simple as a few plants in a container to a large garden in your yard. Whatever size garden you choose to plant, a statue of Mary should be the central focus. If you already have a statue in your yard, surrounding it with flowers and adding a bench will you give a nice place to meditate and pray.

The practice of a Mary garden began in Europe in the Middle Ages. St Fiacre, the Irish patron saint of gardening, is credited with planting the first known garden in the seventh century in France.

The following is a partial list of plants and what they represent in Mary’s life.

Baby’s Breath – her veil

Bell flower – the Bethlehem star

Bluebells – look like tiny thimbles and remind us of her working hands

Canterbury bells – her nightcap

Carnations – bloomed the night Jesus was born and represent Mary’s joy

Chrysanthemum – the Epiphany flower

Columbine – or Our Lady’s shoes – it is said to have sprouted where Mary’s feet touched the ground on her way to visit Elizabeth

Dianthus – or Lady’s bedstraw- used by Mary to prepare a bed for Jesus

Daisy – a sign for the Magi to find the house where Jesus and Mary were

Dandelion – Mary’s bitter sorrow

English Daisy – Mary’s flower of God

Forget-me-nots – her eyes

Foxglove – her gloves

Herbs – any herb can be used. Mary’s love and mercy is represented by soothing and healing herbs, her spiritual sweetness by sweet smelling herbs and her sorrows by sour and bitter herbs.

Hosta –blooms at the time of the Assumption

Lavender – a drying bush. Mary placed Jesus’ clothes on these bushes to dry.

Lily of the valley – our Lady’s tears

Madonna lily – represents purity. It is said that the Archangel Gabriel was holding one at the Annunciation.

Marigold – Mary’s gold. These were placed around Mary statues instead of coins.

Morning glory – her mantle

Peony – Pentecost rose

Rosemary – another drying bush

Roses – Mary Queen of heaven

Snowdrops – these were blooming when Mary took Jesus to the temple for presentation.

Star of Bethlehem – represent the star that the Magi followed

Strawberries – fruitful virgin

Veronica – our Lady’s faith

Violets – represent humility and modesty

A beautiful garden honoring Mary can be planned using some or all of these flowers. Let your creativity take over in choosing the plants. If space allows, rocks can be placed in a circle signifying the rosary. Enjoy the planning, planting and blooms. Reflect on Mary’s life and her son, Jesus Christ our Lord!