We were treated to a fascinating and well illustrated talk about medieval gardens up until the Battle of Bosworth in 1485. Sources included bibles, psalters, books of hours and tapestries, many from the Netherlands and Italy. Original inspiration came from Roman gardens, but many of the subtleties of planting technology were lost until the European Renaissance. Ideas were centred around the Garden of Eden and Garden for Pleasure. Although monastic gardens provided crops for food and medicine, including vineyards, the Garden for Pleasure consisted of a central lawn surrounded by stone-edged flower beds, a few trees for shade and perhaps a fountain. Some fountains were so elaborate and large that they allowed for bathing. The garden was usually enclosed by walls with an often elaborate gatehouse. Further protection or seclusion was frequently provided by a moat. The Crusades brought an eastern influence in planting. Other features included raised beds, watering pots, paths with earthernware tiles, plant supports, and trellises, turf seats, basic topiary, tunnel arbors, fish ponds, bee hives, friendly animals (including lions and bears) and aviaries. The only remaining and entirely original medieval garden in England is on Tintagel Island in North Cornwall. Partial examples can be found at Canterbury, Rockingham Castle at Market Harborough, Whittington Castle in Shropshire, Sycharth Castle in Powys, North Wales, Peterborough Minster, Rosamund’s Bower at Blenheim Palace and St.Winifred’s Well at Woolston, Shropshire, nr.Oswestry. A recreation of a medieval garden including Michael’s own experiments can be seen at Prebendal Manor at Nassington.

Precis by William de Wilde.