My outside Mary garden is too cold to sit in at this time of year, so I created a little one for my desk. Being near it while meditating on the rosary or a scripture passage is peaceful. And I’m enjoying looking at it while working.

I started with an interestingly shaped container from a local craft store and added a statue of Mary from Fatima, moss, rocks, artificial plants, a battery operated candle, and a rosary. I plan to make changes often, perhaps seasonally.

Why not bring a little peace and prayer inside your home with your own little Mary garden? Depending on the size, it can be placed on a table, dresser, night stand, or counter. Here are some ideas you may wish to incorporate into your miniature Mary garden.

Start with a bowl, plate, tray, or container and a small statue, picture, or icon of Our Lady.

Add:

• Live plants
• Air plants
• Artificial plants
• Moss
• Marbles
• Stones
• Pebbles
• Sand
• Water
• Animal Figurines
• Artificial Birds, Butterflies
• Photos
• Drawings
• Rosaries
• Personal Mementos
• Religious Medals
• Icons
• Crucifix

Be creative, and have fun with this.And let me know if you create one for yourself. I’d love to hear from you.

(Grieving with Mary is available from ACTA Publications, Amazon, and my website. Paperback, 160 pages, $12.95. If you’ve read this book, a short review on Amazon would be greatly appreciated.)