The three medieval gardens dating back to the 15th century within the ruins of the Feudal Castle in Fressin are the Garden of Eden, the Garden of Evil and the Garden of Good.
A three-dimensional horoscope features in the Jardin du Eden (Garden of Eden). According to the sign this garden symbolizes paradise with white pebbles as a sign of purity, a fountain symbolizing life and seven circles of vegetation. This zodiac planting snuck in because astrology was one of the primary beliefs in the Middle Ages.
The sign for the evil Jardin du Mal.
This garden contains toxic prickly plants, in particular brambles.
The Jardin du Bien (Garden of Good) contains useful herbs, edible plants and beauty.
Menthe poivrée translates as Peppered Mint.
France has taken care to preserve its medieval heritage – we also saw medieval gardens in the 11th century town of Saint-Valery-sur-Somme. The ‘Herbarium’, the ‘Fruticetum’ and the ‘Flowered Streets’ almost made the Middle Ages appear a very pleasant place to be.
fascinating… i had never heard of these gardens… thanks for sharing.
I found the idea of a ‘Jardin du Mal’ and another a ‘good garden’ quite fun
You have such beautiful garden photos for this week. 😀