Plants for a Mary Garden: Common Sage (Salvia officinalis) “Mary’s Shawl”
Karen Meyers The appearance and folklore of sage have led to an association between this herb and the Virgin Mary. The soft, velvety texture of the leaves brings to mind the protective…
Plants for a Mary Garden: Sweet Majoram (Origanum majorana)
The link between the Virgin Mary and sweet majoram goes back to ancient times. In ancient Greece fragrant garlands of marjoram were given to newly weds to wear around their…
Plants for a Mary Garden: Sweet Basil (Ocimum basilicum) Holy Communion Plant
The use of sweet basil goes back to ancient times. The ancient Egyptians used sweet basil in the embalming process and believed it would open the doors of the afterlife.…
Plants for a Mary Garden: Larkspur (Consolida ajacis aka C. ambigua) “Mary’s Tears’
The name “Mary’s Tears” is derived from the resemblance of the droplet-shaped larkspur flowers to tears and is associated with the sorrow and compassion of Mary especially during the Passion…
Plants for a Mary Garden: Bachelor’s Button (Centaurea cyanus) ‘Mary’s Crown’
Bachelor’s button has been valued for thousands of years. Evidence from ancient Egypt suggests that its flowerheads were used for grave decorations, and it became a symbol of life and…
Plants for a Mary Garden: Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis),”Sweet Mary”
Lemon balm has a long history as a medicinal herb and was valued for its calming, healing, and uplifting properties. The ancient Greeks believed it had the power to improve…
Plants for a Mary Garden: “Our Lady’s Delight,” Pansy (Viola tricolor)
Before the early 19th century the name pansy referred only to the plant that we call Johnny jump up, not the large flowered hybrid that we know by that name…
Plants for a Mary Garden: Germander Speedwell (Veronica chamaedrys)
Also known as bird’s-eye speedwell, and cat’s eyes, this herbaceous perennial is native to Europe where it is found in meadows, hedgerows, and open deciduous woodlands. It is a member…
Plants for a Mary Garden: English Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia aka L. officinalis) ” Mary’s Drying Plant”
Lavender has been valued for its scent, flavor and medicinal properties since ancient times. Called nard in the Bible, it is most frequently associated there with its desirable fragrance. Mary…
Plants for a Mary Garden: Common Daisy (Bellis perennis)
Common daisy is often included in Mary gardens although it is most closely associated with Mary Magdalene rather than with the Virgin Mary. Mary Magdalene was one of Jesus’ most…