Judyth McLeod explores medieval gardens, interviews gardening experts and explains how to create a medieval garden at home.

Many books on medieval gardening are stronger either on the gardening or the medieval aspect. Judyth McLeod is equally authoritative on both subjects and presents the topic of medieval gardens in a practical and accessible way.

The book is divided into nine chapters, each focusing on a different type of garden. Each chapter starts with a history of that particular type of garden and goes on to explore the plants used, their history and uses and how the garden can be created at home. There are interviews with master gardeners, stunning photographs of medieval plants and gardens and extensive medieval plant lists.

Unicorns and Other Magical Beasts

The first chapter focuses on gardens inspired by medieval myths and legends, including tales of unicorns and dragons. The chapter includes a list of medieval dye plants, including an explanation of how the rarer and prized dyes of blue and purple were created.

The Monastery Garden

This section focuses on the medieval monastic garden, which was not only beautiful but practical, in that it supplied a variety of medicines and foodstuffs to the monastic community. There is an explanation of how to create a wattle fence and a section on garden saints, including St Fiacre, patron saint of gardeners.

The Abbess’ Garden

A chapter devoted to medieval women, including abbesses. Many medieval women were involved in plant lore and herbal healing, and there is a section on medieval physic plants including chamomile, used as a mild sedative and Rue, used to treat eye strain.

The Mary Garden

One of the most well-known and best-loved of medieval gardens, Mary gardens were used to express devotion to the Virgin Mary. Hundreds of plants were named for the mother of Jesus and these are explored, with the author also providing plans for a Mary garden to create at home.

The Pilgrim’s Garden

Here, Judyth McLeod explains the importance of the pilgrimage in medieval society and describes traditional pilgrim routes. Many pilgrims travelled to a holy well, and these were often sited in peaceful gardens, which would give relief to the weary medieval traveller.

The Cook’s Garden

Most medieval gardens also served as a source of herbs and vegetables, for all sections of society. The author lists the various foods which were grown in the medieval garden and explores their history. There is a design for a cook’s garden, which can be adapted for a small or large plot.

An Orchard Garden

Medieval gardens were often associated with paradise, and the fruits which grown in the medieval garden could produce some of the best-loved food and drink, including fruit tarts, cider, wine and ale. This chapter looks at ancient varieties of fruit, including the medlar, which is now only grown in a few locations.

The Knight’s Garden

The Middle Ages was the era of the crusades and the age of chivalry. Many medieval gardens were inspired by designs from the East, using ideas gathered from the crusaders. The herber was a peaceful, enclosed space where lovers could meet, with fragranced trees and shrubs adding to the magical atmosphere.

The Alchemist’s Garden

Many of the great alchemists gained fame during the medieval age. Great emphasis was placed on planting by the moon and stars and there are countless tales of the great magic which could be created by an alchemists, who were even reputed to be able to grant eternal youth. The chapter includes a design for a Garden of Eternal Life, enclosed by yew trees.

Summary

This book is practical, entertaining and informative. The information is set out clearly and attractively, with a detailed index and directory of medieval gardens around the world. Anyone with even a passing interest in medieval gardening and plants would find this book a delight.

Publication Details

Judyth A McLeod, In a Unicorn’s Garden [Murdoch Books, April 2008]

ISBN 9781921208577