Medieval monastery gardens were used mainly for providing produce for the monks. These gardens often follow a formal regularity and each part had a particular function, as well as certain spiritual qualities. For monks, the gardens were also the place for meditation and contemplation.
Monasteries in the middle ages were called “guardians of medical knowledge.” Most likely, this designation derives from the cultivated medicinal plants in the adjacent monastery gardens. The most basic types of herbs would be grown there. The beds of herbs were often lined with boxwood (Buxus sempervirens L.), not only because of its pleasant green appearance, but also its flexibility, slow growth and ability to perfectly define the boundaries of individual beds. This observation was used in setting up the node garden in front of the estate. The plant beds framework is formed just by box. The interior is planted with herbs, which create ornaments of different shapes.
In royal and civic gardens of this period you would typically find pergolas, flowery nooks, benches and seats covered with aromatic herbs. The classic crop that is grown in these “grass” (herbal) benches was relentless roman chamomile (Anthemis nobilis L.), which is hardy and resists depressing. Our functional herb bench is planted with creeping thyme cumin (Thymus herba-barona Lois.).
Ornamental flowers and useful plants are also planted on side beds along the whole garden. For example the herbs used for dyeing substances, such as safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.), wild mignonette (Reseda lutea L.), and herbs used for production of liquors, such as rue (Ruta graveolens L.) or giant fennel (Ferula communis L.). There are also unmistakable raised beds of lavender, glorious when in flower. In the “beds furrows” in the middle of the garden there are traditional types of herbs such as balm (Melissa officinalis L.), peppermint (Metha Piperita L.), sage (Salvia officinalis L.), basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) and many others. In the middle of our monastery gardens are “linden tree walls” (Tilia sp.). In ancient times, between these two walls of trees would be areas of lawn used for relaxation and games.
