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…
Plant Profile: Longleaf Speedwell (Veronica longafolia aka Pseudolysimachion longifolium)
Also known as garden speedwell, this herbaceous perennial is native to Europe and Asia where it grows in grassy areas, meadows, steppes and woodland edges. It is a member of…
Book Review: Zen in the Garden
In her book, Zen in the Garden, author Miki Sakamota shares her thoughts and experiences in the Zen garden she and her husband established in the countryside not far from…
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…
Plant Profile: Roman Chamomile (Anthemis nobilis aka Chamaemelum nobile)
Also known as English chamomile, garden chamomile, ground apple, low chamomile, mother’s daisy or whig plant, this herbaceous perennial is native to dry sunny fields of Western Europe and northwestern…
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.…
Plant Profile: English Holly (Ilex aquifolia)
Also known as common holly, European holly, and Christmas holly this evergreen tree is native to western and southern Europe, northwest Africa, and southwest Asia where it grows in the…
Book Review: Little Seasons Spring Seeds
Mirka Hokkanen explores the coming of spring and the lifecycle of seeds in her book, Little Seasons Spring Seeds. Written for children ages 2-6, the author shows the great diversity…
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…
Plant Profile: Spotted Dead Nettle (Lamium maculatum)
Also known as spotted henbit and purple dragon, this herbaceous perennial is native to Europe and Asia where it grows in a variety of habitats from open grassland to woodland.…