During my time in Archives, I have heard much about Maryknoll’s many properties throughout the United States. Awhile ago, a Maryknoll Sister informed me about the beauty of the Gardens of Monrovia. She described lush green lawns overflowing with well maintained shrubs and bushes, boasting flowers of many types and colors. Interested, I dove into our photo archives and flipped through the Monrovia Diaries. This post will feature a selection of passages and photos showcasing Monrovia’s beautiful Gardens.

But first, a little aside! When I was researching this topic, I wondered what Monrovia is like nowadays considering the water shortage plaguing California. I’m happy to report that our environmentally-minded Sisters are already considering a sustainable future! I found a plethora of articles, posted by Maryknoll and media outlets, that touch on landscaping to conserve water. If you would like to learn more about the Sisters’ efforts, check out these resources:

Global Concerns Reflection for the Fifth Sunday of Lent, 2015
LA Times Article on Dry Lawns, 2022
ABC News article on Drought-tolerant Landscaping, 2022
Grow Monrovia Blog Post, 2022
Maryknoll Magazine Article on Sister Arlene Trant’s efforts at Monrovia, 2023

Now, onto the Photos and Excerpts!

Maryknoll Sister standing next to Monrovia's Gardens

The orange grove was a special attraction to Sisters Rita Clare and Gloria. They enjoyed plucking and eating the juicy oranges at the trees.

– Monrovia Diary, May 1947

Native Plant and Rose Bushes at Monrovia

Cherry Blossoms from our Garden were on the altar.

– Monrovia Diary, March 1949

Flowers along a Path at Monrovia, 1984
Flowers and Sundial at Monrovia, 1930

The first thing on our program was a tour of inspection of our new home under the shadow of the mountains. The orange trees, of which there are many on the grounds, were a great attraction for the eyes of the [East Coasters].

– Monrovia Diary, June 1930

Flower Beds in the Internal Courtyard at Monrovia

The grounds near the cottages were beautified by Sr. Rose Dismas, who planted a very attractive cactus-rock garden in the space between the cottages and the kitchen building. The many varieties of cactus were gathered from our own grounds and many were donated by friends interested in Sister’s project.

– Monrovia Diary, September 1961-August 1962

Marita’s cacti are the admiration of everyone! Several plants are delighting us with their huge blossoms: some are large pink, others are in various shades of red and one exquisite white one is the most beautiful of them all. We estimated that the plant that has blossomed most profusely must have made at least fifty flowers on it! We placed it before Our Lady’s shrine outside the Administration Building where many of the patients can see and enjoy it.

– Monrovia Diary, May 1952

Maryknoll Sisters Peg Dillon and Charlotte Hobler checking out the Pink Roses at Monrovia, 2023

… Brother Timothy, FSC came to see Sr. Pieta. Brother pointed out all the trees: pepper, acacia, etc., that he and his brother planted in 1934 or 1935. The trees were in tin cans then; now they are giant trees! The acacias, bearing yellow blossoms are in full bloom and very beautiful.

– Monrovia Diary, January 1953

Flowerbed and Large Tree on the grounds of Monrovia
Landscaped path to one of Monrovia's Shrines, 1986

The landscaping of our grounds was begun on March 13th. Many of our Japanese friends from Los Angeles are donating their time, labor, and experience, and the project promises to be a very fine one. Plans for the landscaping were donated by a Japanese landscape architect.

– Monrovia Diary, January-August 1959

Bed of Flowers at Monrovia, 1984

Srs Gerald, Timothy Mary, and Therese Julie were here this afternoon with two visiting Sisters from the Philippines. The Filipina Sisters were delighted to see real orange and plum trees and enjoyed picking and sampling the fruit right on the spot.

– Monrovia Diary, June 1956

Our garden abounds with flowers these days – roses, gladioli, and many others. Sr. M. Esther arranges them with special skill for the altar.

– Monrovia Diary, July 1955

Landscaped Garden at Monrovia

The grotto is made in Mr. Kado’s well known style. A small stream flows down over rocks into a pool where there are water lilies. Ornamental shrubs and flowers make a peaceful setting…

– Monrovia Diary, September 1963-August 1964

Lourdes Grotto at Monrovia, 2004
Landscaped Garden in the Internal Courtyard at Monrovia

Many of our summer guests have returned to their missions and others are preparing to leave tomorrow. Our compound with its many trees, beautiful flowers, and green lawns offers a delightful change for vacationers.

– Monrovia Diary, August 1949

Flowers alongside one of Monrovia's Cottages, 1968

Our good friends… had the convent patio landscaped in time for Open House, and the intervening months have brought a daily growth in beauty – the lawn is green and lovely and beautiful rose bushes continue to add color to the setting.

– Monrovia Diary, September 1959-August 1960