What kinds of flowers and plants would be appropriate in a Mary Garden?
Well, roses certainly. That’s the emblem of Mary and she is called the First Rose of Martyrs. The rose was also adopted as the emblem of Mary’s love of God. Here’s a list of appropriate plants, some of which are mentioned in the Bible and some of which are associated with Bible times but not specifically mentioned. • Mint, Fennel and Dill – all tithing herbs but great in cooking • Mary’s Bedstraw – it’s a low growing perennial that looks like what might have been put in the manger. My statue of Mary stands on the bedstraw. • Violets • Day Lillies – These are edible but most lilies represent our Lady for her purity and chastity. White Lilies especially. And Angel Gabriel is often shown holding a lily. • Cilantro – the seed of this plant, Coriander, is sometimes mentioned as the manna of the Bible. • Rosemary – supposedly this herb was named Rosemary because Mary tossed her blue cloak over the bush and the flowers turned blue. This is a piney tasting herb full of antioxidants. • Oregano/
