From Karen Whiting.

With Easter weekend we think about Jesus dying for us and then rising to bring us eternal life. His mother Mary stood by the cross, went to the tomb, and stayed with the apostles to watch Jesus ascend to heaven and she prayed wit them. Mary treasured her son. Since the thirteenth century, people have rejoiced in Mary’s saying yes to being the mother of Jesus by planting marigolds. that look golden and sunny.

The tiny Marigolds are among the easiest seeds to grow. Plant them in the cups of an egg carton. Watch them sprout and once they are a few inches high transplant them into little pots or into a garden.

Enjoy marigold facts.

• The name came from an Anglo-Saxon word merso-meargealla which meant marsh marigold.
• The plant is native to the Americas.
• People used marigolds in cooking and for medicine, especially for skin problems.
• Ointments are made from the sap and from the stem.
• People dry the flowers for soup broth.
• Ground marigold fed to chickens produces brighter yellow yokes.
• Marigolds don’t take much work to grow. They need to be separated out to have room to grow and they need to be weeded.
• People have crushed the flower and mixed it with distilled water to rub on bee stings.
• The flower can be boiled to make a yellow dye.
• The Latin name is Calendula officinalis because Romans noticed it bloomed on the first day of each month.
• Pinch off the first buds and the flower will grow a larger number of flowers. 
• Aztec Indians grew marigolds and later explorers brought them to Europe.
• The strong smell from a marigold keeps rabbits and some insects away from the garden.
• Marigolds are edible whether fresh, dried, or infused into beverages. They are also used in animal feed.
• They make good companion plants to tomatoes and potatoes as they keep away harmful wormlike critters.
• Bees, butterflies, moths, and humming birds love the nectar of marigolds.

Marigolds can grow from 6 inches tall to 48 inches. They come in many colors. They cannot survive cold winter weather. They are very hardy plants that contain substances that are anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and even have anti-inflammatory medicinal properties.

When you think of Mary and her qualities, remember that she is also a bright star, that is in the Bible. She was a good companion to the disciples, a good mother, and one who brought hope to the world. The bright flowers are often used to decorate churches inside and out. When you see one, think of Mary and Jesus. The light color also reminds us that Jesus is the light of the world.

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Blessings,

Karen Whiting