Gospel of John

St Benedict was the first recorded saint to create a garden at his monastery, as a place for prayer and contemplation. His was a rose garden or ‘rosary’. It was St Fiacre in 670, however, who became the first to plant a garden in honour of Our Lady, using those flowers which bore her name. This idea quickly spread with many ‘Mary Gardens’ being created to honour Mary. Here is an exquisitely illustrated guide to creating a Mary Garden in the home, parish, school, with an extensive guide to traditional plant names dedicated to Our Lady, their legends, use in art and in prayer and meditation.