Pope John Paul II Center Garden

John Paul II Cultural Center Mary Garden Display

A Mary Garden display is featured in the Pope John Paul II Cultural Center, in Washington, DC, opened Thursday, March 22 - with photo and information, provided on request, about Mary's Gardens Partner, Bonnie Roberson, who managed Mary's Gardens from 1968 until her death, R.I.P., in 1983

Overview Description of Exhibits for visitors:

"A series of graphics panels use images and text to illuminate the work of artists in many different fields of endeavor. All of the stories in some way demonstrate the association between creativity and the artist's Catholic faith.

"Creativity typically begins with a moment of inspiration, or as it's sometimes called, a "divine spark" of imagination. Many artists freely acknowledge this inspiration as a gift from God. In turn, artists through the ages have demonstrated their love and gratitude to God through creativity. The Creativity & Faith panels scattered throughout this gallery illustrate some of the wonderfully imaginative ways people have expressed their faith.

"As you look at the Creativity & Faith panels, try to think of ways you can use your own creativity to express your faith."

Description for Panel 15 photo: Image: Bonnie Roberson in her Mary Garden Title: Mary's Gardener

"An ardent gardener, Bonnie Roberson created and tended an Herb Mary Garden at her home in Hagerman, Idaho. Roberson's love of cooking first prompted her to plant herbs. As she researched the history of various plants, she was struck by how the names and legends of many herbs related to the Holy Family.

"After hearing about gardens devoted to Mary that were springing up around the country, Roberson planted a Mary Garden of her own filled with herbs and flowers associated with Mary. Because she found working with these plants an uplifting, spiritual endeavor, Roberson happily shared her gardening expertise to help others start their own Mary Gardens, until her death in 1983."

The John Stokes and Mary's Garden collection was transferred to the Marian Library in May 2013. In addition to his archives, manuscripts, artwork, and personal library, John S. Stokes also donated his extensive website. It was transferred to the Marian Library in 2010. This particular entry is archived content original to Stokes' Mary's Gardens website. It is possible that some text, hyperlinks, etc. are outdated.