How it all began

Medieval Garden

In the Middle Ages, only monasteries and castles had a landscaped garden. It was usually surrounded by a wall or hedge to keep out unwanted intruders and protect itself from harsh weather. The structure was practical and orderly: square or rectangular beds with paths in between. The plants were grouped according to their use: edible plants, utility plants, medicinal plants, and herbs. These gardens were the forerunners of botanical gardens.

The Medieval Garden, located near the entrance to the Botanic Garden, was laid out in 2020 as a nod to this distant past. Here, you can feel like a medieval monk or nun for just a moment!