Blogs
A Marian Terrarium: Workshop Materials Now Available on Demand
By Melanie Fields
In the University Libraries’ first live webinar on UDigital, the University of Dayton’s new online event platform for alumni and the community, Marian Library staff presented Mary Gardens for Mother’s Day: A DIY Windowsill Display. After learning a brief history of the Mary’s Gardens movement and viewing a gallery of plants and flowers named for the Blessed Virgin Mary, about 40 participants learned how to create their own small Marian plant displays for themselves and their loved ones.
If you missed your chance to register or attend the webinar, we have good news: The recording is now available along with the presentation slides and informational handouts. These include a Marian terrarium supplies list; an introduction to three types of dish gardens; and a planting list containing 45 Marian plants to grow and cultivate.
Whether you are already an avid Mary Gardener or just beginning your gardening journey, the Marian Library has the resources you need. Explore more of the John Stokes and Mary's Gardens archival collection online and send questions or images of your own Mary Gardens to marianlibrary@udayton.edu.
Below is a selection of dish gardens featured in the presentation and submitted by webinar participants. Enjoy!
Participant Greg McHugh of Cincinnati writes, “My children Gus, Paul, Maggie, Jude, Patrick and Frances had so much fun making two terrariums for their mom and grandmother. I really enjoyed watching them get their hands dirty while talking about Mary. It was a fun Saturday morning.” McHugh is a graduate of Archbishop Moeller High School, a Marianist school in Cincinnati. (Photographs courtesy of McHugh. Used with permission.)
Participant Greg McHugh of Cincinnati writes, “My children Gus, Paul, Maggie, Jude, Patrick and Frances had so much fun making two terrariums for their mom and grandmother. I really enjoyed watching them get their hands dirty while talking about Mary. It was a fun Saturday morning.” McHugh is a graduate of Archbishop Moeller High School, a Marianist school in Cincinnati. (Photographs courtesy of McHugh. Used with permission.)
Marian Terrarium with maidenhair fern and glow-in-the-dark statue by presenter Melanie Fields
Marian Terrarium with maidenhair fern and glow-in-the-dark statue by presenter Melanie Fields
Planting one of two by Carrie Schmitzer Hartley ’95 (photograph courtesy of Hartley)
Planting one of two by Carrie Schmitzer Hartley ’95 (photograph courtesy of Hartley)
Planting two of two by Carrie Schmitzer Hartley ’95 (photograph courtesy of Hartley)
Planting two of two by Carrie Schmitzer Hartley ’95 (photograph courtesy of Hartley)
Madonna statue in a brandy snifter by Bonnie Roberson (photograph from the Marian Library's John Stokes and Mary's Gardens Collection)
Madonna statue in a brandy snifter by Bonnie Roberson (photograph from the Marian Library's John Stokes and Mary's Gardens Collection)
Our Lady of Kibeho teacup garden with wild violets by presenter Melanie Fields
Our Lady of Kibeho teacup garden with wild violets by presenter Melanie Fields
Marian grotto planting by Lisa Witt (photograph courtesy of Witt)