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The garden of Castle Alsbach at Bergstraße in Hesse
Pixabay License, Free for commercial use
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The social, economic,
political and spiritual influences of the Middle Ages are also reflected in
garden design. At the beginning of the Middle Ages it can be assumed that the
garden mainly had its function as cropland. Along with the monastery gardens,
castle gardens are among the oldest man-made gardens with cultivation purpose.
The castles were densely surrounded and left little room for horticulture. They
acted as a source of food in the event of an enemy siege. Celery, lettuce,
fennel and garlic were grown. Where it was allowed, herbs were also grown and
trees planted outside the walls. The owners soon recognized the recreational value
of a garden and made the green areas the focus of courtly life. Wellknown
landscape gardeners created true masterpieces of horticulture. The garden is located within the complex,
protected from prying eyes. In the summer months, it becomes the place where
all social and private life takes place. Play, relaxation and secret
love.
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The garden of the Castle of Aschaffenburg
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Apothecary gardens
were build and used in monasterys, but they are still in use, to supply their
monasterys with different kinds of medical herbs. Medical and venomous plants
like lavender, sage, Giant Hog Weed, that were used to produce medicin, as well
as plants to season dishes like garlic, dill and basil were planted and bred
there. In the 16th century pharmacies
also used them to help sick people to get better and to study the different
types and kinds of plants. A very famous gardener in a monastery garden was
Gregor Mendel, the founder of genetical science.
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The monastery garden in Seligenstadt hosts lots of ancient types of fruit trees. Source: https://pxhere.com/de/photo/1384153, CC0
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