April 22, 2009

Mary garden: a flower-enhanced tranquil spot to reflect on the Blessed Mother

By Julie Filby

Picture this scenario: a little boy picks a brightly colored fuchsia and holds the blooms up to his mother’s ears. He giggles and says, “Look Mommy, earrings!” The mother smiles lovingly at her son, who is so pleased with the gift he has given her.

Now, imagine that child is Jesus and the mother is the Blessed Virgin Mary.

This is just one of the many legends associated with flowers and the life of Mary. Since medieval times, hundreds of flowers have taken their name from the life, virtues and mysteries of Mary. Some writers even claim that all flowers are dedicated to her.

There is perhaps no better way to honor Mary and enjoy the beauty of nature than by spending time in a “Mary garden.”

A Mary garden is an area, of any size, filled with flowers, plants or herbs either named after the Blessed Mother, or that carry a legend related to her. The garden also contains a representation of Mary—either a statue, plaque, icon, holy card or other image.

Each plant can offer a reason for reflection, inspiration or meditation.

“Sitting in a Mary garden leads me to think about Mary, and remember the stories of her life as the mother of Jesus—both the glory and the struggles,” said the author of “Mary’s Flowers: Gardens, Legends, and Meditations,” Vincenzina Krymow. “She is the mother of all of us. I feel comforted by her presence.”

A Mary garden may be a single pot indoors, a sizeable plot outdoors, or anything in between. They can be found at parishes, schools, homes, shrines, convents and other institutions.

Establishing a Mary garden at home is an act of faith that can enhance one’s spiritual life by offering an individual or family a holy place to reflect and pray for Mary’s intercession.

“The thing I tell people who already have a garden is that they probably have many of Mary’s flowers and herbs already there, so establishing a Mary garden is easy,” Krymow said. “(Dedicating it to her) means being aware of the flower names and legends, honoring Mary by being attentive to them, and adding an image of Mary.”

For someone establishing a new garden, Krymow recommends thinking of their favorite flowers or herbs, then researching them.

“They will probably find they are associated with Mary,” she said. “They can start their garden with their favorite plants, then add more as they discover others that remind them of Mary.”

Additional recommendations were offered by landscaper designers and master gardeners, John and Teri Riviera, parishioners at Our Lady of the Valley in Windsor. The Rivieras, under the direction of pastor Father James Spahn, designed and maintain the Mary garden at Our Lady of the Valley. It was implemented in 2004 with the help of many volunteers.

 “Make your garden an inviting place where you can focus on Mary—a quiet and private area, free from distraction,” said John. “Consider fragrant plants that blossom throughout the season. Also, make sure you select plants that are appropriate for the climate and soil in northern Colorado.”

Teri, who grew up on a farm and has always liked to “get her hands dirty,” added that it is nice to mix perennials (plants that return year after year) with annuals (plants whose life cycle lasts only one year).

“You can really change the look of your garden each year with different annuals,” she said.

They both suggested going to a reputable nursery, with qualified personnel, for advice.

There are many Mary gardens throughout the Archdiocese of Denver—some of particular interest include St. Martin de Porres Parish in Boulder, Our Lady of the Mountains in Estes Park and the Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Denver.

MARY GARDEN FLOWERS
While hundreds of flowers are linked to our Lady, these are a select few and their associated legends.

- Madonna Lily: The angel Gabriel is believed to have been holding a lily, representing purity, when he appeared to Mary to announce she would bear a child.
- Columbine: Known as “Our Lady’s Shoes” because they were said to have sprung up wherever Mary’s feet touched the ground when she was on her journey to visit Elizabeth.
- Oxeye Daisy: Legend tells of the Magi being led to Jesus’ manger by stars that turned into these “Star of Bethlehem” flowers.
- Lavender: “Mary’s Drying Plant” was said to have received its scent after Mary laid Jesus’ clothes on it to dry.
- Lily of the Valley: Legend claims when Mary cried at the cross, her tears turned into these flowers.
- Marigold: Called “Mary’s Gold” by early Christians who placed them around statues of Mary, offering them instead of coins. It was also said that Mary used the blossoms as coins.
- Rose: The “Queen of Flowers” is a privileged symbol for Mary, queen of heaven and earth. When St. Dominic instituted the devotion of the rosary, he described each separate prayer as a tiny rose. For more flowers dedicated to Mary, visit mgardens.org.