The Garden Project

Did you know we can honor the Blessed Mother in our own yards and on our parish grounds? Are you familiar with a Mary Garden? Gardening is among the most popular pastimes. Did you know nature teaches spiritual lessons, just as the many stained-glass windows here in our church teach biblical lessons?
 
The concept of the Mary Garden dates back to medieval Europe when Christians began dedicating garden spaces to the Virgin Mary. The tradition likely emerged from the practice of creating devotional gardens. It specifically became popular in the 19th century with the desire to create spaces that foster contemplation and prayer. These gardens were often found in convents, monasteries, and homes of devout lay people. 
 
The growth of a Mary Garden mirrors spiritual growth in many ways. Just as plants require attention, patience, and care to flourish, spiritual growth demands similar qualities. The process of planting seeds and plants, nurturing them and watching them grow into full bloom can symbolize the gradual and often challenging journey of deepening one's faith. In tending to the ground,   we learn to be patient and persistent, qualities that are essential for our spiritual development. Each stage of the garden’s growth—from the initial planting to the full bloom—serves as a reminder of the transformative power of grace and the importance of ongoing spiritual cultivation.
 
By creating and nurturing a Mary Garden, we can experience a deeper connec-tion and spirituality to the Blessed Mother, reflect on our own peace, cultivate a space that supports our faith, focus on prayer, reflection and meditation. These plants highlight different aspects of Mary's virtues and her role in our faith:
 
· Asters:  Mary's birthday flower
· Bachelor Buttons: Mary's Crown 
· Columbine: Our Lady's slippers
· Coneflower: Virgin Mary's simple beauty, modesty and virtue
· Daisy:  Mary's Love; resembles a “star” shining and a sign for the wise men
· Dianthus Pink's: Virgin Pink
· Hellebores: Christmas Rose / Holy night Rose/ Rose de Noel  
· Hosta: Assumption Lily
· Hydrangea:  Ave Maria, abundance; rich roots and flowers 
· Iris:  Mary's sword of sorrow; her fidelity
· Juniper Bush:  Providing shelter for the Holy Family
· Lamb’s Ears:  Our Lady’s gentleness, innocence and purity
· Lavender:  Mary's drying plant
· Peony:  Pentecost rose
· Pontentilla: Mary's five fingers
· Primrose:  Flower of Mercy and compassion, humility and modesty
· Rose: Our Lady’s quintessential flower; spiritual beauty, fragrance
· Rudbeckia: Christ's Resurrection; Mary's unwavering faith and hope
· Sage:  Mary's shawl
· Salvia:  Vibrant blue salvia and the lavender of Flight Into Egypt
· Sedum: Our Lady's maiden hair
 
 We can honor our Blessed Mother not only on our parish grounds but  in our own yards. The Mary Garden is a teaching tool and practical way  to engage in learning about our faith. We encourage you to stay  updated on the growth, progress and expansion of our Mary Garden  located on the basilica and rectory properties. Together, let us embrace  this journey, confident that our collective efforts will bear fruit and  inspire future generations. As with God, nothing is made without  purpose.      

Jennifer Black
Garden Project Coordinator

With the Garden Project underway, contributions are greatly appreciated.
Call Jennifer at 716-378-7140