Liturgical Living:
Mary Gardens
Creating a Mary Garden is a fun family activity to honor Mary during May. When making a Mary Garden, you don’t need to have a large yard space to dedicate to it. A small corner of your yard or even a large planter pot can work. Here are some steps to get started:
- Choose your spot: Pick a spot you see often. Whether the space is sunny or shaded will determine the types of plants you use.
- Prepare the soil: Turn the soil and add some potting mix.
- Get a statue of Mary: Select a statue that nicely fits the area you have chosen. Our Lady of Fatima Shrine has many options for sale in the gift shop.
- Choose your plants: There are many flowers with Marian-inspired names (there are even several Marian herbs!). Some options to consider:
Roses – the “queen of flowers”
Marigold – meaning “Mary’s Gold”
Violet – symbol of Our Lady’s modesty
Zinnias – known as “Little Mary”
Morning Glory – one of Mary’s many titles
Impatiens – also called Mother’s Love
Bleeding Hearts – for Mary’s pierced, sorrowful heart - Get planting, and enjoy your prayerful garden space!
If you do not have a green thumb, try one of these Marian Garden-themed crafts…
- Create mini Mary Garden craft
- Make a Mary diorama
- Print paper flowers and a paper vase
- Pick flowers for a simple Mary centerpiece
- Color a flower frame for Our Lady
- Buy a stepping stone kit and decorate it for Our Lady