Medieval

Plants

Embroidery, illuminated manuscripts and carvings provide evidence of the range of flowers grown in medieval times.

They also show they were appreciated for their beauty as well as being used in herbal remedies, for syrups distilled waters and cordials, and to scent rooms.

People took few baths, the garde robe (toilet shaft) could pong and damp walls gave off a musty odour. To counter the whiffs, sweet smelling plants were strewn on the floor, nosegays were placed in the rooms and women wore chaplets or garlands.

Can you identify the flowers grown in medieval gardens shown in the picture?

Click the picture for an answer.