By Melissa Wold, Mobile County Master Gardener / mobilecountymastergardeners.org
From the beginning, ordained as planters, farmers and stewards, humanity’s curriculum vitae lists our first job — gardener. Dirt is ingrained in our DNA. Solace, stillness, serenity, surety and sustenance is found in gardening.
Ellen F. Davis writes in her book “Scripture, Culture and Agriculture,” “Beginning with the first chapter of Genesis, there is no extensive exploration of the relationship between God and humanity that does not factor the land and its fertility into that relationship.” Genesis can be read as an ecological study of the dependence of man on land and plants.
The Bible references approximately 125 plants, flowers and trees throughout the Old and New Testaments. Many prophecies and parables are based on the flora that would have been familiar to the people of the ancient Middle East — grapes, grain, wheat, mustard seeds and lilies. Jewish festivals revolved around the growing season in a tradition that continues today. Some Biblical plants are familiar (fig, juniper, oak, lentils, flax, cumin) while others (galbanum, onycha, gall) seem exotic to our modern times.
Egyptian and Mayan hieroglyphs depict flowers, trees, fruits and herbs. Pagans worshiped plants, especially trees, believing deities dwelled within them and they served as mediums between gods and mortals. The Celtic Ogham alphabet was directly associated with trees, including apple, ash, birch, willow and yew, illustrating the dependence of man on land and plants.
As civilizations expanded, the propagation of plants paralleled that expansion. With the development of farming came less worry about food availability and lent more time to the establishment of formal gardens for leisure and pleasure. Some of the first recorded gardens in Western civilization were those of Egypt and Mesopotamia. These gardens were known for their beauty and utility. Roman and Greek cultures soon adopted the style and architecture of these exotic gardens.
Several ancient garden styles have survived to modern times. Labyrinths have been in use for over 4,000 years as a discipline of spiritual and personal growth. Through archeological excavations, labyrinths have been found to be a part of the cultures of ancient Crete, France, Hopi Native America, India, Norway and the British Isles.
A labyrinth consists of serpentine paths often bordered by yew or juniper hedges. There are no dead ends; a single path for prayer and meditation leads to a center and returns again. The inward and outward turns symbolize the path of one’s life and spiritual journey. Turf labyrinths are the most common. However, flowers, vegetables and herbs are also utilized. Annuals are found more often than perennials because of their less time-consuming upkeep. The center of the labyrinth is a place for restoration and meditation. The center can be a patch of soft grass or a bench. Labyrinths can be built in backyards, but it may be easier to find one at a local church or botanical garden.
A Mary Garden is another example of an ancient garden. The tradition of planting a Mary Garden (usually in May) dates to the seventh century. During this period, people saw religious symbolism in herbs and flowers. The plants used in these gardens relate to events in the Virgin Mary’s life: lilies, columbine, lavender, marigolds, violets, irises and roses. Any yard space can be used for this quaint and spiritual garden. Many contain a statue of the Virgin Mary. Some people use tall plants like roses or lilies as the focal point. The other plants are grouped around them. Seven stepping stones depicting Mary’s seven joys are often included. There is no set rule for the plants used. Some can be personal favorites or based on soil and climate conditions.
Gardens can be our refuge for prayer, reflection and renewal. They can be a labyrinth, Mary Garden, patch of grass, cornfield or a potted plant on a balcony. No matter, simply spend time there chanting, praying, meditating, dancing, singing, shaking tambourines and being restored in this beautifully alive place.
Genesis 1:11-12 (NIV): Then God said, “Let the land produce vegetation: seed-bearing plants and trees on the land that bear fruit with seed in it, according to their various kinds.” And it was so. The land produced vegetation: plants bearing seed according to their kinds and trees bearing fruit with seed in it according to their kinds. And God saw that it was good.
Garden Events for Your Calendar:
What: AL Cooperative Extension Pruning Workshop
Where: 1070 Schillinger Road N, Mobile
When: Wednesday, Feb. 23, 9 a.m. to noon
Bring pruners and gloves
No fee to participate
More info: Call 251-574-8445
What: Visit Mobile Botanical Gardens
Where: 5151 Museum Drive, Mobile
When: Wednesday-Sunday (check website for hours and fees)
Lunch: Reserve Wednesdays and Fridays
More info: MobileBotanicalGardens.org
What: Enjoy the Mobile Japanese Garden
Where: 700 Forest Hill Drive, Mobile
When: Every day, during daylight hours
Fee: Free, but donations requested
More info: MobileJapaneseGarden.com
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