Abbey and Bible gardens

Medieval abbey gardens, which were originally kitchen gardens, have provided inspiration for garden design throughout Europe. Above all it was the Benedictines who laid the foundations for gardening, in accordance with their rules which demanded spiritual and physical work. Abbeys were often self-sufficient and grew everything they needed. The lifecycle of fruit trees symbolised the Resurrection, and the arboretum was frequently also the abbey's cemetery; evergreens reflected faith in eternal life, and Christian belief and symbolism were a constant presence. As focal points of medieval learning, abbey gardens were also very influential in how plants were grown and their use in nutrition, medicine and daily life. Often concealed behind high walls, these gardens present the living heritage of ancient sites and are places of pure, natural beauty.