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The Medieval Herb Garden
Produced by SMM
10/5 – 3/11 1996
The medieval herb garden is mainly associated with the Catholic monasteries. Care and attention of the garden was an important part of monastic life. The first monastery in Sweden was established in the twelfth century. Subsequently there were seventy others. Everywhere the ground was cultivated and gardens were laid out according to Continental patterns. Many new plants were brought into the country, among them dill, fennel, chervil, mustard, southernwood, horseradish, aniseed, sage, basil, summer savory and coriander. Most monastic plants had several areas of use, but their medicinal effect and religious significance were of the greatest importance. They were also needed in cooking and as protection against the powers of evil. At the same time they were beautiful. Plant knowledge was disseminated and lived on even after the Reformation in the sixteenth century, when most of the monasteries were pulled down. The monasteries have also been by far the greatest influence on the design of gardens in later centuries.
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