Exploring the Legacy of Mary Gardens: A Visit to the Woods Hole Mary Garden

Mary Gardens, a concept rooted in medieval European flower symbolism, have found a home at the University of Dayton thanks to the John Stokes and Mary’s Gardens archival collection. Popularized in the United States by Stokes and his collaborators, Mary Gardens serve as physical reminders of the characteristics of the Virgin Mary through the use of specific flowers such as roses, lilies, and marigolds.

The inspiration for Stokes’ work on Mary Gardens came from a garden in Massachusetts established by Frances Crane Lillie in 1932. Located in Woods Hole, the garden was adjacent to the Angelus Tower commissioned by Lillie for St. Joseph Chapel. Lillie’s research into the symbolic meanings of flowers led her to create a space where visitors could borrow books from a “rack of books” while enjoying the peaceful surroundings of the garden.

Despite falling into disrepair in the 1950s, the Woods Hole Mary Garden was restored in 1982, marking its 50th anniversary. Today, the garden continues to thrive, with a variety of plants and a Little Free Library for visitors to enjoy. The presence of statues of Mary and St. Joseph, designed by Ade Bethune for the Mary’s Gardens movement, adds to the spiritual atmosphere of the space.

A recent visit to the Woods Hole Mary Garden in July 2021 provided a moment of grace for one visitor, who marveled at the beauty and tranquility of the space. The ongoing maintenance of the garden is a testament to the love and devotion of generations of gardeners towards the Virgin Mary.

For those interested in learning more about Mary Gardens and the John Stokes and Mary’s Gardens archival collection, additional information is available in the University Libraries archives catalog. The legacy of Mary Gardens continues to inspire and uplift visitors, providing a place of peace and reflection in the midst of busy modern life.