Mary's Garden

I’m planning a Mary garden!🌹

If I had to identify a single thing that sparked my practice, it would be learning the language of flowers. I’d known that plants had medicinal properties but was fascinated by the fact that they also carried historical, magical symbolism.

The Blessed Mother has countless plants and flowers dedicated to her attributes, appearance, clothing, etc. Naturally, many of these correspondences are rooted in ancient lore and associations with pre-Christian deities. Roses and lilies were initially the sacred flowers of Venus. In Scandinavia, Freya's Heir became Our Lady's Hair (aka maidenhair fern). 

Flowers and herbs are also widely used in art and literature to tell Mary’s stories. Archangel Gabriel, for example, is depicted holding a lily (representing innocence and virginity) when he appeared at the Annunciation. According to legend, Star of Bethlehem flowers were formed when the star that guided the wise men burst into a million pieces. 

You may have also encountered entire gardens dedicated to Mary. (I’ve been searching for the perfect Blessed Mother statue for ✨years.✨) A Mary garden could be as small as a flower pot with a prayer card (I’ve even seen small set-ups with arrangements that illustrate the nativity). 

Of course, the most important aspect to consider for a Marian garden is your personal preference and ability. I’m a big proponent of using native plants, not only for the environmental benefits but because they help me to connect with the spirit of my physical location. But any plant enhancing your altar’s peace and happiness will be more powerful than those chosen solely for their historical connections (although it’s always fun to try new seeds!).

This morning on Patreon, I published a resource of over three dozen plants and flowers associated with the Virgin Mary. I really love learning these histories (Marian and otherwise) as a way to uncover and understand a flower’s essence and purpose within my folk practice.🌺