This unique, multilayered book focuses on the creation of gardens that reflect the mystery and magic of medieval gardens. Each chapter features a garden design based on a theme of significance in the medieval world. Chapters begin with an engaging historical overview and discussion of society, culture, religion and mythology in relation to each theme. Designs are illustrated with original watercolours, and all are suitable for an average suburban garden plot. Each design details how to create the garden; a list of appropriate plantings; and step by step skills, e.g. how to make a woven willow edging.This book features an illustrated medieval herbal; a resources section for finding suitable plants in Australia, the USA and Europe; and a directory of international medieval gardens. The chapters include: Unicorns and Other Magical Beasts (garden design: a unicorn's garden); In a Monastery Garden (a paradise garden); The Abbess' Garden (a medieval physic garden); A Mary Garden (a Mary garden); The Pilgrim's Garden (the garden of joyous contemplation); The Cook's Garden (a medieval cook's garden); The Orchard Garden (a paradise orchard); The Knight's Garden (a pleasant herber); The Alchemist's Garden (the garden of eternal life); The Sorcerer's Garden (the garden of magical protection); Titania's Garden (a medieval faery realm).

Author Biography

Dr Judyth McLeod has been a university lecturer in horticulture, landscape design, graphic art and sustainable architecture. She is the author of a number of books on gardening and natural methods of healthcare. Judyth is co-owner of a nursery, Honeysuckle Cottage, which specialises in pre-twentieth century plants.