What is a Mary Garden? I did a search and came up with many different things.

A Mary Garden is planted by Catholics with flowers that are symbolic of the Blessed Mother. Or, a simple way to do it is to plant just blue and white flowers.
Lynn

Here is a link that might be useful: Mary gardens

I never have, but I have planted many purple flowers to surround my "Sacred Heart"...

I learned some cool lore about ladybugs. Did you know they were named in honor of Mary?

No I didn't-thanks or sharing that!

Hi Lynn - YES I have a Mary Garden and in fact have been thinking about asking Gardenweb to make a "Mary Garden" forum over in "Types of Gardens." What do you think?

My Mary Garden is pretty small - it's a section of my perennial border, about 8 feet long and 3 feet deep. It has Bleeding Heart, Columbine, hosta and impatiens - the first two symbolizing Mary's sorrow/tears, hosta symbolizing her assumption into Heaven, and impatiens symbolizing her joy. I've found an excellent resource called www.mgardens.org (see link below) and have learned that creating a Mary Garden is an excellent parish project!

Good luck with yours; I'll post a photo as soon as I get it downloaded from my camera!

Best,
Janet in Des Moines

Here is a link that might be useful: Mary's Gardens

Here's a photo. She's in a narrow perennial border, with columbine on her left and right and impatiens down front.

Here is a link that might be useful: Janet's Mary Garden

Janet...Of course it sounds like a great idea to me, but I don't know how much mileage it would get. So many forums, like this one, are underused. But hey, it's worth a try!
LYNN

Hi - I've been on the hosta forum and have just finished planting a Mary Garden. I have 3 hostas [1 Blue Angel], Lady's mantel, campanula, violas, anemonies, ajuga and Ferns

Fern

yes, i want a Mary Garden forum! there are a lot of Catholic homeschoolers and families who will enjoy the discussion!

we don't have one yet, since we just purchased our 8th house in april, but hopefully in the spring! right now i'm busy composting and digging all over to prepare the soil.

great thread!