| Herbs have been grown for centuries, for many | | | | - savory |
| different purposes, including for cooking, for scenting | | | | - iris |
| cosmetics and candles, and to use making insecticides | | | | - rosemary |
| and medicines. In ancient times it was normally monks | | | | - fenugreek |
| and nuns and other religious people who took on the | | | | - sage |
| task of treating the sick and infirm. And it was also | | | | - rue |
| these caring people who grew all the herbs they | | | | - lily |
| needed to use for their remedies. They created the | | | | Of all of these, rosemary is probably the most |
| earliest medicinal herbs gardens we know about. | | | | interesting. An ancient garden plant with a great |
| Illustrated manuscripts that have survived over the | | | | legacy of mythical powers and supposed influences |
| centuries feature drawings that show us what some | | | | on life, this sweet-smelling herb is not only widely |
| early monastery gardens looked like. Some were | | | | appreciated for its culinary uses, but it has always |
| walled gardens with pathways separating beds where | | | | been a symbol of love and loyalty. In ancient times it |
| different herbs were grown. Other gardens were | | | | was often included in bridal wreaths. It has varied |
| bordered with thick hedges created with herbs like | | | | medicinal uses and, amongst other things, is used to |
| rosemary or thorny roses, with neatly planted herbs | | | | combat migraines and skin diseases. It helps improve |
| in the center. | | | | poor liver function and poor circulation. It is also useful |
| Some manuscripts also have lists and descriptions of | | | | as a hair rinse for those who suffer from dandruff. |
| herbs that were planted. For example, Charlemagne | | | | In Medieval times (in the Middle Ages), pleasure |
| King of the Franks (also known as Charles the Great) | | | | gardens were common, particularly in the gardens of |
| listed medicinal herbs in his "Capitulare de Villis" written | | | | palaces and hunting lodges owned by the nobility. |
| in the 9th century. These included poppy, burdock, | | | | These were much more elaborate than the earlier |
| widely used for skin diseases and which is mentioned | | | | monastic gardens, but herbs including rosemary, lilies, |
| in three of Shakespeare`s plays, marsh mallow, | | | | columbines and lavender did feature, as we see from |
| recognized as a food and a medicine, which is | | | | drawings. |
| mentioned in the Bible and in both Arab and Chinese | | | | In the late Middle Ages, during the 15th century, a |
| literature, clary, also known as clary sage, which was | | | | man called Ion Gardener wrote a treatise on The |
| used by the Romans to make a kind of eyewash, | | | | Feate of Gardening and discussed different types of |
| and houseleek, a species of about 40 succulent | | | | herbs that were used for flavoring, cooking, |
| plants of the Crassulaceae family that grow like | | | | medicines and for scent. These included fennel, |
| rosettes, is another herb used to treat skin diseases. | | | | parsley, thyme, borage, orach and garlic, lilies, |
| The Romans reputedly grew these herbs indoors. | | | | honeysuckle and lavender, plantain and the toxic |
| Charlemagne also had plans drawn for the | | | | henbane. |
| enlargement of a physic or medicinal herb garden at a | | | | Which of these are you planning to plant in your new |
| 7th century Benedictine monastery in Switzerland. | | | | herb garden? |
| Specific herbs are shows on these plans including: | | | | |