Mary, Mary, Quite Contrary - Nursery Rhymes by Monkey Pen

Mary, Mary, quite contrary,
How does your garden grow?

With silver bells, and cockle shells,
And pretty maids all in a row.

With daisies bright and tulips red,
And vines that twist and climb,

The bees all hum a gentle tune,
In rhythm and in rhyme.

The butterflies go dancing by,
Above the lily bed,

While robins sing from willow trees,
High overhead.

So Mary tends her garden fair,
With sunshine, care, and cheer,

And every flower smiles at her,
Throughout the growing year.

🌱 Mary, Mary, Quite Contrary – Classic Nursery Rhyme

Imagine walking into Mary's lush garden! "Mary, Mary Quite Contrary" helps children visualize an oasis full of silver bells, cockle shells, and smiling maids - a short nursery rhyme with magical overtones that children will surely find engaging and beautiful.

🎶 What's This Rhyme All About?

This nursery rhyme invites children to imagine a garden and ask, "How does your garden grow?" Then Mary surprises everyone with her answer by telling everyone what is growing in her garden, "silver bells, cockle shells, and maids in a row." The imagination of children is taken to places unlike 'normal' flowers or carrots because it is vibrant with rhythm and exciting imagery.

🕰 Fun Facts About The Rhyme

This rhyme first made its debut in 1744 as part of Tommy Thumb's Pretty Song Book; over three hundred years ago! Some older versions have a different ending, "And so my garden grows" or "cowslips all in a row" instead of cockle shells.

People still wonder who "Mary" was. Some popular theories suggest she could be Queen Mary I of England or Queen of Scots. But no one really knows, so "Mary" remains a cheerful puzzle!  

Some legends suggest silver bells and cockle shells have deep meaning, like church pilgrimages or royal life. Nowadays, we enjoy the rhyme!  

You can sing the rhyme slowly and then speed up. It's easy to pretend to garden, clap, or stomp as you sing along!  

✨ Why Children Love It  

Pretend gardens: Instead of real plants, children get to imagine shells, bells, and dolls.  

Easy to memorize: Four lines, rhyme, and rhythm make memorization easy. 

Creative play: Act it out, ring pretend bells, arrange toy dolls "in a row," and make up your garden items.  

Language skills: Children unlock language skills as they hear new words and enjoy singing while rhyming.  

Fun Coloring: Visit Monkey Pen’s free coloring pages collection, download, and color a garden picture or Mary-in-the-garden drawing.  

💖 Favourite Part of the Rhyme  

Nursery rhymes come alive here—like Mary's garden. Bright visuals, sing-alongs, and playful learning at Monkey Pen make the rhyme come alive!  

Being "contrary" as curious, imaginative, and creative, Mary's portrayal of the garden enhances the idea of imagination.  It's "Sparkle with imagination!"  

📣 Let's Go on a Rhyme Adventure  

Mary's garden of silver bells and cockle shells introduces and shows her rhymes in a vivid world full of creatures and wonders.  

Jump to the rhymes section at Monkey Pen, and you will also find "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star and If You're Happy and You Know It" and other delightful hit songs. Monkey Pen learning is playful. Singing, drawing, learning, laughing, and having fun together are all welcome.  Check out our library of free children’s books and nursery rhymes for free downloads.

Join the fun. "Mary, Mary, quite contrary," we hope you loved singing that and waiting to grow in the garden of wonders, a magical one!