Monroe County Master Gardener Association

By Gail K & Jennie S.

  June 16, 2022

Yeah! The time has arrived for us to wander in search of interesting & intriguing gardens.  First on the list- Jennie suggested we travel by car to Indiana & visit the

              WARSAW BIBLE GARDENS. 

It was a casual & enjoyable 2 1/2 hr. drive.

Chris & Michelle my car companions & trusty navigators!

When asked why this garden, Jennie replied:

“Olga Einfalt and I, along with my daughter, each planted bible gardens at our churches”

above: GARDEN ENTRY

unlike those, this public garden is well-funded and has a full-time horticulturist caretaker.

Dedication plaques

Immediately upon entering the garden proper -a very impressive tree!!!  The information office nestled in its shade, barely noticeable. Luckily, we had Jennie to guide us; we opted to forego a docent & soon discovered no brochures available on site. 

Jennie shared, the tree a Russian Olive; close cousin of Autumn Olive & a hardy substitute for zone 5.

With early AM temps already hot an arbor, anchored in grapevines provided a cool respite & perfect vantage point to view the entire garden.

Located within a block in the downtown; the garden sits alongside a lake, a playground, tennis courts and other public use spaces.  We soon learn, size isn’t always relevant. This garden’s focus is a myriad & variety of plants as depicted in the Bible.

Left of the arbor, closest to the lake: an area enclosed by rock walls—from a bench, a view of the lake

& the sound of splashing water from the nearby fountain.

Providing a calm for this weary Pisces’ spirit-a meditative spot; perhaps for prayer- like the Garden of Gethsemane.

The garden supported by mature trees was divided into 7 well marked areas. We were thankful for the filtered shade.

Each area held plants, or a substitute as noted in Bible readings.  Most but not all hardy to zone 5–

fragile ones in pots to allow them to be moved indoors…      (Note the labels)

There were annuals, perennials, bulbs, shrubs and vines. Each having a purpose during biblical times and even now.

One of the very well noted plants mentioned in the Bible. The Jerusalem Thorn.

Hebrews 9:24; Matthew 27:29; Mark 15:17; John 19:2

Below:  close up of Jerusalem Thorn. Imagine wearing on your head, a crown-made from this plant.

Named Bible lands included the desert area & it noted plants:  Such as below the  Cytisus Lena, “broom”

Below:  the Tamarisk tree per Bible- Abraham planted such in Beersheba.

A dry stream bed– featured in the story of Elisha; 1 Kings 17.

Brook: a water source; in scripture- drinking places. An Oasis where grasses & willows can be found, a

source of life in desert areas.

Water-an important Bible symbol. Referenced in countless scriptures.

Psalm 23:2, John 3:5, Revelation 22:1

Water:

 a valuable asset no matter the place or era in time. From water flows new life, its very existence dependent upon it. 

The brook, the meadow and the forest areas all blended together..Water the common bond- nurturing all life within. (Just for you Kay)

 Below: Lilium Martagon Hybrid-Guinea Gold Christ said “Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these”

The bonding factor-flowing water

Below: Blossom- Punica Granatum ‘Wonderful”
             Wonderful Pomegranate

I found the interior branching of this very mature Scotch- aka Baltic Pine far more intriguing than its overall appearance.

At the rear edge of the garden-we find a late morning snack-“white mulberries.” Disregarding the hesitancy of the others, I had to taste, finding them sweeter than the dark purple variety.

Rounding the pathway to exit–we enjoyed the canopy shade created by a unique structure—I suspect this was common in Biblical times.

Reaching the end of the path-we stop & admire the unique characteristics of a common quince tree.  I will add-

having visited Olga’s & Jennie’s church gardens; in my opinion because of differences & individuality: these gardens are equal in value & merit in the eyes of this gardener.

In closing: The night before our visit, Indiana was hit by devastating sheer winds. Driving to the gardens, we witnessed the level of destruction to the trees in the area. We were reminded to never underestimate the power of Mother Nature & that tomorrow is never promised.

We were thankful for no loss of life, for clear roadways, for no damage to the gardens & blessed for having Jennie who has the patience of Job; as she answered our countless questions & assisted me with this post. The second leg of our trip-the Defries Gardens-will be posted separately.