May, a Marian month, is a special time to add a statue of the Blessed Mother and surround her with beautiful flowers in your garden.
Theses flowers in Mary gardens developed symbolism to the events in Mary’s life:
Lily Mary was associated with this passage from the Song of Songs: “I am the Rose of Sharon, the lily of the valleys.” (2:1) A legend from the second century says that when Mary’s tomb was opened to show Thomas that her body had been assumed into heaven, it was filled with roses and lilies.
Columbine Also known as “Our Lady’s Shoes,” Columbine is said to have sprung up wherever Mary’s foot touched the ground on her way to visit her cousin Elizabeth.
Lavender Known as “Mary’s Drying Plant,” lavender was said to have received its scent after Mary laid Jesus’ clothes on it to dry.
Madonna Lily The angel Gabriel is said to have been holding a lily, representing purity, when he appeared to Mary to announce she would bear a child – lilies are often included in artistic renditions of the annunciation.
Marigold The marigold was called “Mary’s Gold” by early Christians who placed the flowers around statues of Mary, offering the blossoms in place of coins. A legend says that during the flight into Egypt the Holy Family was accosted by a band of thieves. They took Mary’s purse and when they opened it, marigolds fell out.
Violet The violet is associated with humility and became known as “Our Lady’s Modesty.” It was said to have blossomed when Mary replied to the Angel Gabriel, “I am the handmaid of the Lord.”
Irises Irises were used in Mary Gardens. The blade-shaped foliage denotes the sorrows which ‘pierced her heart.’