Stopping to smell the flowers
Garden mirrors the Bible
Arlene Marturano marturanoa@ yahoo.com

The Shandon community is known for its shady tree- lined streets, distinctive homes, and attractive gardens.

The diminutive biblical garden in front of the Parish House of St. John's Episcopal Church on Wheat Street was designed and installed by St. Veronica's Garden Guild in 2005.

According to Kaye Knight, member of the garden guild, the goals of the garden are trifold. The church wanted to give beauty and enjoyment to the community. The garden is a welcoming space for parishioners, newcomers, and neighbors. And by bringing to life the names of plants mentioned in scripture, the garden educates adults and youth.

A waist- high stone wall surrounds the garden. Upon entering the garden, a hedge of upright rosemary leads to a flagstone path. The path circles the central bed and provides easy access to all plants.

A statue of St. Francis of Assisi is at the core of the circle and is surrounded by a bed of prostate rosemary interspersed with lilies and veronica Speedwell.

The outer flesh of the garden contains herbs and fruit trees. Herbs were the medicine, magic, and mainstay of everyday life in Biblical times.

According to legend, The Virgin Mary threw her cloak over a white flowering rosemary, which turned the flowers eternally blue.

Artemisia, lavender, sage, thyme, hyssop, chives, parsley, and dill are arranged in clusters outside the central interior bed.

Two benches provide space for respite, reflection, and rejuvenation. Fruits were symbols with Bmiabnley meanings in the . For example, the olive tree symbolized peace and provided oil for anointing and cooking, lamplight, and an ingredient in soap and cosmetics.

The grapevine symbolized fruitfulness and was used for its fresh fruit and wine. Although space is limited, the garden grows an edible fig, grapevine, two olive trees in containers, a pomegranate, and two flowering quinces.

Plant selection was influenced by available space, local climate, and extensive research on Biblical plants. As the garden evolves, new plants will be added along with name plates, and an irrigation system is in the works.

The statue of St. Francis of Assisi can be seen through the fig tree.

The entranceway of the garden holds a stepping stone with an inscription, which is dedicated to Ruth Woodruff, a longtime parishioner who is held in high esteem.

Artemesia is referred to as wormwood in the Bible and was used as a worm medicine.