Tusson medieval garden

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In the Middle Ages, the gardens were above all utilitarian. They were small, surrounded by low stone walls, and usually laid out like a chessboard. In the centre a well or a spring was surrounded by squares. They were usually cultivated in raised beds enclosed by a plessis, a lattice fence made of chestnut stems. The monks who followed the rule of St Benedict had to cultivate their garden in order to be worthy of Paradise. In this way the monastic garden takes on a spiritual dimension.

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The kitchen garden

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Here are the herbs, roots and vegetables which formed the basis of their food in the Middle Ages : cabbage, leeks, spinach, parsnips, turnips, borage, broad beans, lentils, peas...

Le jardin de simples

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Here are the medicinal plants. The term "simple" refers to a remedy obtained from a single plant as opposed to the complex preparations of the apothecaries.

Le jardin bouquetier

This is the domain of the rose, the lily, the columbine, the wild rose, the violet and other flowers which were grown to be cut for the requirements of religious services. Each one is a symbol.

The graveyard orchard

Here are the fruit trees of which some, such as the sorb, the medlar, the service and the black mulberry are almost forgotten today.

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