In
the Book of Genesis, God gave man domain over
His creation and all things in it. This Christian
belief is found in the straight lines and squares
of the Medieval garden that demonstrates the
power of man over nature.
The predominant feature of the garden is its
enclosure. Unlike the open space of the Zen
garden, the Medieval garden was an enclosed
garden, hortus conclusus. Not only was the enclosure
protection from the dangers of earthly life,
it was symbolic of the womb and represented
the feminine principle.
Traditionally
the enclosure walls were built from stone especially
in the monastic cloisters and castle gardens.
However for those unable to afford such expense,
boundaries were also constructed of wood, and
even a ditch or trough that kept out cattle.
Paths
were made from turf, sand or gravel. The selection
was made based upon the materials available
rather than an aesthetic choice. Sometimes low
growing ground covers such as thyme were used.
Flowerbeds
were always square and sometimes rectangular
in shape. They were often raised which gave
an exaggerated feeling of the clean, geometric
lines of the garden. The width of the beds made
it possible for the gardener to reach the centre
of the bed from either side. Plants were often
planted singly rather than in large groups.
A repeat pattern of for instance a rose in the
centre of each bed was sometimes used. Low walls
made of stone; wood or tiles bordered the beds.
This was yet another example of the importance
in displaying the taming of nature by man.
Arbours
were a very popular element of the garden. Vines,
honeysuckle or roses covered them. Covered walkways
were also widely used especially in the cloister
gardens of the monasteries. The arbour became
an enclosed space within the enclosed garden.
This element symbolized the heart of the protected
Heaven on Earth and of the Virgin Mary herself.
Turf benches were important to the design of
the garden. They were practical and help to
retain the simplicity of the garden. Sometimes
tables would be brought out to the garden and
placed in front of the turf benches. Outdoor
dining was very popular.
I
have come to my garden, my sister, my bride,
I gather my myrrh and my spices, I eat my
honey and my sweetmeats, I drink my wine and
my milk. Eat, friends; drink! Drink freely
of love! Song of
Songs Chpt.5 NAB
Turf
became an essential element of the Medieval
garden. In fact the art of creating the perfect
lawn began in the Middle Ages. The colour green
was deeply symbolic to the monks of the cloisters.
Not only was green thought to be the most restful
colour it symbolized rebirth and eternal life.
Sometimes if a lawn was not possible, it was
allowed to fill in with flowers such as strawberries,
violets, and daisies. This 'flowery mead' was
beautifully depicted in the tapestries of the
day. One of the most famous of these tapestries
was a series of seven tapestries know as the
Unicorn tapestries.
Pools
and fountains were always of an artificial design
and not meant to appear natural. Fountains were
carved of stone in the gothic style. The fountain
symbolized the trinity to the medieval Christians.
Pools were lined with clay and surrounded by
stone. Nobleman or their ladies used the pools
as small dipping pools. In the cloistered gardens
of the monastery the pools often contained fish.
O
garden-dweller, My friends are listening for
your voice, Let me hear it! Song
of Songs Chpt.8 NAB
l
hundred years after the fall of Rome. The fall
of the Roman Empire also meant the decline of
gardening as an inspired art form. It was the
Emperor Charlemagne who began the revival of
gardening as an expression of humanity. He ordered
every town in his kingdom to plant a garden
of herbs with fruit and nut trees. 