MHG Volunteer Blog 38: Goldenrod

It's time for the latest blog from our dedicated team of volunteer gardeners at Pontefract Castle.

Find out more about their blog series here.

Today we started the long process of 'putting the garden to bed for the winter'. Dave cut back the tansy and dug up the remaining viper’s bugloss. Carole cut back the fennel, chicory, curry plant, devil’s bit scabious and some of the cotton lavender. All of these were already showing their secondary growth of the season.

Tansy and fennel showing secondary growth

Helen also helped with the tansy. She then potted cuttings from the discarded foliage of the cotton lavender and curry plants. Helen also chatted to another family from the USA.

Carole continued to chop-back the motherwort, vervain and sorrel. Last week, Carole finished the day with her hair full of spiders. Today it was seeds!

Plant of the week: Goldenrod (Solidago virgaurea)

The genus name 'solidago' comes from the Latin verb 'solidare'. This means 'to make whole', 'to heal', or 'to strengthen'. The species name 'virgaurea' is from 'virga' (rod) and 'aurea' (golden). Together, 'Solidago virgaurea' translates to the 'goldenrod of healing'. It is also known as woundwort, Aaron’s rod, verge d'or, and European solidago.

Solidago, commonly known as goldenrod, is a genus of about 100 species. The goldenrod we're focusing on here is different to Solidago canadensis, the common garden goldenrod.

A native plant, goldenrod is a deciduous, woody-based, clump-forming, perennial plant. It prefers to grow in any well-drained, south or west-facing, non-clay soil, in full sun. It grows to a height of 3 ft with a spread of 2 ft. It has sparsely branched stems bearing slender, green, toothed leaves. 

Goldenrod flowers in late summer. It has narrow flower spikes composed of many tiny yellow flowers.

Goldenrod growing in the Medieval Herb Garden

After the flowers are spent, they form a small, one-seeded fruit called an 'achene'. This is topped with a hairy 'pappus'. This creates fluffy white seed heads which are scattered by the wind. In all varieties, it is vital that goldenrod is cut back before these seeds blow away. Otherwise, the plant easily spreads to neighbouring properties.

Culinary uses of goldenrod

The yellow flowers are edible. They can be used to add colour and flavour to salads. 

The leaves are spinach-like. They can be cooked and added to soups, stews, and casseroles.

Goldenrod as a dye plant

Goldenrod produces vibrant yellow to orange and green dyes. The colour made depends on the mordant used. For golden-yellow, an alum mordant is used. An iron mordant will move the colour to sage and olive greens.

Folklore and other facts about goldenrod

Goldenrod is associated with Demeter, the Greek goddess of the harvest. It is also linked to Freyja, the Norse Goddess of love and magic.

Goldenrod has been claimed to have phytoremediation properties. This is where living plants are used to clean up soil, air and water contaminated with hazardous substances. This is based on goldenrod's ability to transfer iron from soil.

In some folklore, goldenrod was used as a divining rod. It was used to find hidden springs, lost items, buried treasure and gold. Similarly, it was used in divination rituals to seek guidance, reveal the future, and find hidden knowledge.

The sudden appearance of goldenrod near one's home was once seen as a sign of good luck and prosperity to come. However, goldenrod, especially Solidago canadensis, has become an invasive species in many parts of the world. It has caused problems in Japan, Europe and Africa. It has been a particular issue in China. By 2004, goldenrod had caused the extinction of 30 native plants in the Shanghai province. 

Goldenrod is often said to cause hayfever in humans (although this is not the case).

Goldenrods, in general, are attractive sources of nectar for bees, flies, wasps, and butterflies. European goldenrod is pollinated by the Cryptic Bumble Bee (Bombus cryptarum).

Medieval uses of goldenrod*

Goldenrod was valued for its astringent and antiseptic properties. It was one of the main wound and bleeding-related remedies of the Middle Ages.

Traditionally, the aerial parts of the plant have been used as a treatment for diabetes, allergies, gastrointestinal disorders, rheumatism and gout. Goldenrod was also used for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects.

In Russian folk tradition, goldenrod is also known as a haemostatic (blood-stopping) and astringent (skin-tightening) agent. It is also known as good remedy for respiratory diseases, gallstone diseases, and pulmonary tuberculosis.

*As always, this isn't to be considered medical advice today. Please don't use any plants mentioned in these blogs as medicine without advice from a doctor.

MHG Volunteer Blog 37: Nasturtium

It's time for the latest blog from our dedicated team of volunteer gardeners at Pontefract Castle.

Find out more about their blog series here.

A mild but rather blustery day today, so it didn’t take long for the fleeces to come off. Carole had continued with cutting back the lavender on Friday. Caroline and Louis finished it off by tidying the backs of some of the plants. They then went on to weed around the comfrey.

Louis tidying the backs of the lavender bushes

Carole carried out the usual Monday flower count. She then started to weed from the signpost back to the fennel. She spoke for a while with a retired Chief Inspector of Police. He had worked at New Scotland Yard, but in his youth had patrolled around the Pontefract Castle area. 

Later, Carole and Lillie weeded the MHG from the curry plants to the green alkanet. This tidied things up a bit before Carole’s final, free talk of the season on Saturday. They continued to weed until the early afternoon when “rain stopped play”.

Plant of the week: Nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus)

The name 'nasturtium' comes from the Latin for 'nose-twister'. This refers to its strong, mustard-like smell and flavour. It was originally called 'Nasturtium indicum' ('Indian nasturtium') due to its watercress-like taste. 

The name 'Tropaeolum' comes from the Greek word 'tropaion', which was a stand on which armour was hung (as a trophy). The botanist Linnaeus gave it this name in his classification of plant families. Linnaeus thought that the leaves looked like shields and the flowers like helmets.

Also known as Indian Cress, yellow larkspur, monk’s cress, lark’s heel and flame flower.

The nasturtium is native to South America, mainly Bolivia and Peru. It was not introduced to Europe until the middle of the sixteenth century.  It was then known as 'Indian Cress'. This was because the Americas were mistakenly referred to as ‘the Indies’ in those days.

Nasturtium is a fast, strong-growing, annual, clumping or climbing plant. It prefers full sun in a west or south-facing position in any well-drained soil. Nasturtiums also tend to produce more flowers in poor soil than in rich soil. Depending on the variety it can spread between 1 ft and 10 ft.

Nasturtium growing in the Medieval Herb Garden

Its leaves are circular, wavy-edged and 1 to 6 inches in diameter. The leaves are green above, paler beneath, with several radiating veins. They are supported 'parasol-like' by a central stalk 2 to 12 inches long.

Nasturtium leaves demonstrate the 'lotus effect'. Rain falling onto the surface gathers into droplets which then roll off the leaf, leaving it dry.

It flowers between July and October. The flowers are bright yellow, red or orange. They are showy, frilled, funnel-shaped flowers, 1 inch to 1.5 inches across. They have five long-clawed petals, eight stamens and a 1 inch long nectar spur at the rear.

The leaves contain an aromatic oil that produces a peppery scent. The flowers contain nectar which gives off a sweet, honey-like smell, especially in the morning.

Culinary uses of nasturtiums

The flowers and leaves can be used as decorative and peppery additions to salads. They can be chopped into butter, cream cheese, pesto, placed on top of pizzas or included in sandwiches. They are even used to decorate cakes.

The young seed pods are even spicier in flavour. These can be cooked or pickled as a lookalike substitute for capers, or ground up and added to sauces and stews.

Nasturtium as a dye plant

Yellow and orange colours can be obtained from the flowers and leaves. They contain yellow flavonoids and anthocyanins, which can also produce red, pink, or green colours. The colour produced depends on the specific variety, pH levels and dyeing process.

Folklore and other facts about nasturtium

Nasturtiums became especially popular after they were planted in the gardens of the Palace of Versailles. This was during the reign of King Louis XIV.

Nasturtiums contain more vitamin C than many other plants. Pickled nasturtium seeds were taken on board Victorian ships to prevent scurvy.

In the 1800s, soldiers often wore nasturtium flowers given to them by young ladies. They were a sign that they had been victorious in battle.

In Victorian floriography, nasturtiums were used to represent 'patriotism' and 'conquest'.

Nasturtiums are visited by several moths and butterflies. These include the dot moth (Melanchra persicariae), the garden carpet moth (Xanthorhoe fluctuate), the large white (Pieris brassicae) or cabbage white butterfly and small white butterfly (Pieris rapae). These insects will lay their eggs there. The eggs are typically laid on the underside of the leaves.

Some gardeners plant nasturtiums specifically as a 'companion plant' to attract these butterflies and their caterpillars. This hopefully diverts the insects from cucurbits (cucumber, melon, pumpkin) and brassicas (cabbage, broccoli). Some gardeners plant nasturtiums under fruit trees for the same reason.

However, due to its chemical composition, nasturtiums are potentially harmful. It can be a skin irritant or allergen.

Medieval uses of nasturtiums*

Nasturtium had several benefits, including promoting scalp health, strengthening hair and potentially reducing hair loss. It was used for treating skin issues. It is rich in nutrients that nourish hair follicles. This makes hair appear fuller and healthier. It has antibacterial properties beneficial for the skin.

Traditionally, its various parts were used in teas and tonics. These were used to soothe sore throats and colds. It was also used to heal wounds, disinfect skin, and address urinary and respiratory conditions. Nasturtium leaves, ground with water and then strained, create a natural disinfectant wash. This was used on minor cuts and scrapes. Chewing the leaves can cleanse the mouth.

*As always, this isn't to be considered medical advice today. Please don't use any plants mentioned in these blogs as medicine without advice from a doctor.

MHG Volunteer Blog 36: Soapwort

It's time for the latest blog from our dedicated team of volunteer gardeners at Pontefract Castle.

Find out more about their blog series here.

This Monday, as with the weather in previous months, life managed to conspire against the MHG volunteers. Carole was on her own again.

After carrying out the flower count, she helped the Site Officer, Joe, by cutting back the planter by the Swillington Tower. She then, belatedly, started to cut-back the lavender bushes on the drive. “Started”, because with over 50 bushes it is not a task that can be completed in one go. Cutting back also, unfortunately, showed the weeds that had been hiding in the “undergrowth”. But that’s a job for another day.

The start of the lavender cut-back in the Medieval Herb Garden

Later in the day she enjoyed some time, easing her back and knees, by talking to visitors. There was a couple from Lockerbie in Scotland and two ladies from South Carolina, USA!

Plant of the week: Soapwort (Saponaria officinalis)

The name "Soapwort" comes from the plants ability to produce a soapy lather when its roots or stems are rubbed in water. The botanical name Saponaria derives from the Latin word for soap, saponem. 

It is also known as bouncing bet, latherwort, fuller's herb, bruisewort, crow soap, sweet betty, flop top, lady-by-the-gate, Jill-run-by-the-street, and Devil-in-a-bush.

Soapwort originated in Central and Southern Europe and Asia. It is classed as an ‘archaeophyte’. This means it was introduced to the UK before the 1500s AD.

It is a clump-forming, deciduous, stoloniferous, perennial. It will grow in almost any well-drained, non-acidic soil. It prefers to grow in full sun in any aspect. It can grow up to a height of 4 ft or more. However, at this height it tends to fall with the stems then bending upwards again. This forms a 'hollow crown' effect. Because of this, the plant in the MHG often only appears to be about 2 ft high.

The plant has green, leafy, unbranched, knotted, stems (often tinged with red). The broad, lanceolate leaves are opposite. They grow between 2 or 3 inches long and 1/3 inch wide.

Soapwort in flower in the MHG

The plant flowers between June to September. Its flowers have radially symmetrical, slightly downy, petals. The petals are pink or sometimes white. Each of the five flat petals is about 1 inch long. They are arranged in dense, terminal clusters on the main stem.

Unfortunately, this lovely plant has stoloniferous roots. These enable it to spread unless tightly controlled each year. Even in 1597 John Gerard wrote “if they have once taken good and sure rooting in any ground it is impossible to destroy them.” With this “truth” we can wholeheartedly agree!

Culinary uses of soapwort

Soapwort has a bitter, slightly sweet flavour. It has a lingering, pungent aftertaste and produces a numbing sensation in the mouth. Its main culinary use is in small quantities in traditional recipes like halva. Here, it provides a smooth, fluffy texture and acts as an emulsifier.

Please note: soapwort contains the toxic chemicals saponin and saporin. Eating the plant can lead to severe vomiting, fever, weakness, muscle pain, bleeding and damage to red blood cells.

Folklore and other facts about soapwort

When soapwort is steeped in water, it produces a mild soap. It was used in the woollen mills of Britain. Because of this, it naturalised in locations where the mills once stood.

In some western Asian countries such as Syria, it is still grown specifically for its use in cleaning wool.

Soapwort extract is used in some UK-based shampoos and soaps. It provides a mild, gentle lather.

The plant's cleansing properties led to its use in breaking witchcraft spells.

In the past, Dutch brewers have used the plant to get a good head on their beer. It is still used as an emulsifier in the commercial preparation of tahini and beer. It helps to create a stable head on the beer.

The flowers are visited by various insects including owlet moths (Noctuidae), hawk moths (Sphingidae), bumblebees and hoverflies.

Medieval uses of soapwort*

In traditional medicine, soapwort was used in a range of remedies. It was used as a diuretic, a purgative and for jaundice. It was also used as an expectorant prescribed for coughs and bronchitis.

The plant has natural cleansing and anti-inflammatory properties. This made it useful for treating skin conditions like acne and eczema.

*As always, this isn't to be considered medical advice today. Please don't use any plants mentioned in these blogs as medicine without advice from a doctor.

MHG Volunteer Blog 35: Common Fleabane

It's time for the latest blog from our dedicated team of volunteer gardeners at Pontefract Castle.

Find out more about their blog series here.

Another blustery day with intermittent rain. Helen cut back the Good King Henry and dug up some mammoth clumps of Cinqfoil. 

Helen and Lillie then weeded the top of the drystone wall. They took care to not disturb the many chocolate mining bees that have made their home in the soil below the grass.

A chocolate mining bee popping out to say hello!

Plant of the week: Common Fleabane (Pulicaria dysenterica)

This plant was called 'fleabane' because it was used to repel fleas. The Latin name 'Pulicaria' comes from 'Pulex' meaning flea. 'Dysenterica' refers to its other supposed ability to cure dysentery.

Other names are wild marigold, camels, harvest flower, pig-daisy and Job’s tears.

Common fleabane is native to Europe and Western Asia. It is a bushy, deciduous, stoloniferous (grows horizontal stems above the ground), perennial. It prefers damp or poorly-drained soil, in full or partial shade, in any aspect but north-facing.

When grown in favourable conditions, it will reach a height and spread of 3 ft. In the presently bone-dry Medieval Herb Garden it gets to about 12 inches.

It flowers from August to October. It has 1 inch, golden-yellow, composite, daisy-like flowers. These grow atop downy stems with stalkless, very downy, wavy-edged lanceolate leaves. The leaves are alternately arranged and clasp the stem. The basal leaves wither by the time it flowers.

The root is a creeping, scaly, underground rhizome. It sends up shoots at intervals, thus forming spreading clumps. These need to be controlled before they “take over” the garden.

Common fleabane growing in the Medieval Herb Garden

Culinary uses of fleabane

Fleabane is not used in cooking. The plant has a bitter, astringent and salty flavour.

Folklore and other facts about fleabane

The plant's smell is similar to carbolic soap. It was used to repel fleas and other insects. Dried leaves were hung indoors or burned as a fumigant.

Fleabane was thought to have protective qualities. Some traditions suggested it could be burned to cleanse stagnant energy or hung above doorways to ward off evil spirits.

The name Job's tears is linked to a tradition that Job used a decoction of this herb to cure his ulcers.

Most animals generally avoid fleabane due to its bad taste and pungent qualities. The plant is toxic to cats and dogs.

Fleabane is visited by a wide range of insects. These include hoverflies, honeybees, wasps, butterflies, dragonflies and damselflies. Pollination is mainly successfully done by flies.

It is the main food plant for the fleabane tortoise beetle (Cassida murraea). It is also mainly eaten by four micromoths, Apodia bifractella, Ptocheuusa paupella, dusky plume (Oidaematophorus lithodactyla) and Digitivalva pulicariae.

Medieval uses of fleabane*

Fleabane was used more commonly in mainland Europe than in the UK. The plant's sap and infusions of the dried herb were used to treat dysentery.

A paste made from the plant was applied to wounds to promote healing and to treat other skin disorders and itchiness.

It was also used for coughs, jaundice, epilepsy and gastric problems.

The following is taken from Miss E. S. Rohde's 'Old English Herbals': 'Fleabane bound to the forehead is a great helpe to cure one of the frensie.'

*As always, this isn't to be considered medical advice today. Please don't use any plants mentioned in these blogs as medicine without advice from a doctor.

MHG Volunteer Blog 34: Snapdragon

It's time for the latest blog from our dedicated team of volunteer gardeners at Pontefract Castle.

Find out more about their blog series here.

Another Bank Holiday Monday. Where does the time go? 

Unfortunately, the plants in the Medieval Herb Garden don’t have access to a calendar. They are acting as if it is early Autumn, not late August! 

After completing the weekly flower count, Carole continued to cut-back various plants that had already “gone over”.

Plants in the Medieval Herb Garden that already think it's Autumn!

She also spot-weeded plants like tansy, green alkanet and hound’s tongue that had self-seeded everywhere. These would threaten to take over next year, if left to their own devices.

Finally, Carole stocked up the sales barrow. Sorry, all the liquorice plants have now been sold. Due to the heat, she then “called it a day”.

Plant of the week: Snapdragon (Antirrhinum majus)

The botanical name, 'Antirrhinum', refers to the 'snout-like' form of the flower. The common name snapdragon originates from the flowers' reaction to having their throats squeezed. This causes the 'mouth' of the flower to snap open like a dragon's mouth.

Other names are lion's-mouth, rabbit's mouth, bonny rabbits, calf-snout, toad's mouth, bulldogs, and lion's-snap.

Snapdragon is native to Southern Europe and North Africa. It is closely related to toadflax. It is a bushy, deciduous, herbaceous perennial. Despite this, snapdragon is often grown as a biennial or annual plant. This is particularly in colder areas where it may not survive the winter.

It prefers to grow in full sun in south or west-facing, moist but well–drained sandy, loamy or chalky soil.

Snapdragons can grow to a height of 3 ft with a spread of 18 inches. It has upright or scrambling stems. The leaves are spirally arranged and broadly lanceolate. They are up to 3 inches long and 1 inch wide.

Yellow snapdragons growing in the Medieval Herb Garden

It flowers from late Spring to Autumn with purple / red / pink, yellow or white flowers. Modern cultivars have extended this colour range. 

There are between 8 and 30 short-stalked flowers on a tall spike. Each is up to 1.5 inches long and zygomorphic (only symmetrical when folded in half). The flowers have two lobed 'lips' closing the corolla tube.

Culinary uses of snapdragons

Snapdragons have been used in salad, desserts, soups, teas and liquors. They are used for decorative and flavour‐enhancing purposes. However, they are not to everyone's taste. Their flavour can be slightly bitter.

Folklore and other facts about snapdragons

Snapdragons were often planted in gardens as a protective shield against evil forces. They were thought to protect against falsehoods, evil spirits, and witchcraft.

In some traditions, snapdragons are linked to boldness, inner strength, and resilience.

Essential oils and flower essences derived from snapdragons are used in aromatherapy and homeopathy. They can promote relaxation.

Like toadflax, snapdragons are pollinated by bumblebees. These bees are strong enough to open the flowers, collecting pollen in the process.

Spider mites will attack snapdragons. Thrips are commonly seen in newly opened flowers and will cause small lesions in the shoots and flower buds. They will also remove pollen from the anthers. Aphids target and consume the terminal growth and underside of leaves.

Snapdragon suffers mostly from fungal infections. These include snapdragon rust, anthracnose, botrytis blight, downy mildew, and powdery mildew, fusarium wilt, leaf spots, and sclerotinia diseases.

Medieval uses of snapdragons*

The leaves and flowers have been traditionally used as poultices for various inflammations. These include haemorrhoids, ulcers, and rashes. Crushed snapdragon flowers were also used to treat burns, rashes, and insect bites.

*As always, this isn't to be considered medical advice today. Please don't use any plants mentioned in these blogs as medicine without advice from a doctor.

MHG Volunteer Blog 33: Devil's Bit Scabious

It's time for the latest blog from our dedicated team of volunteer gardeners at Pontefract Castle.

Find out more about their blog series here.

A chilly start to the day. That didn’t deter the many visitors this Monday! During the regular weeding, Carole spoke to an American who was visiting the castle. They were interested due to Pontefract Castle's connection to the Pilgrimage of Grace in the 1500s. Carole later spoke to a family from Perth, Western Australia and a delightful couple from Malta. They were in the UK to attend the Coldplay concert in Hull.

Later, a lady from Liverpool joined Carole and learned how to take cuttings from the castle’s pink mophead hydrangeas. She successfully prepared six for the castle, to sell next year, and one to take home.

A pink mop hydrangea at the castle

Afterwards, Helen showed Caroline and Louis the same procedure. They were similarly rewarded with their own cuttings.

Plant of the week - Devil's Bit Scabious (Succisa praensis)

The name of the plant commonly known as devil's bit scabious has been changed from 'Scabiosa succisa' to 'Succisa pratensis'. This reflects the change in classification. 'Succisa pratensis' is now recognized as the only species within the genus 'Succisa'. 'Scabiosa' is a separate, related genus within the honeysuckle family.

The word 'scabies' comes from the Latin word for 'scratch' ('scabere').

In folktales, the black root was short because it had been bitten off by the Devil. He was angry at the plant's ability to cure diseases – hence the name. Its other names are blue ball, blue bonnets and blue buttons.

Devil's bit scabious is native to the British Isles and Europe. It is a clump-forming, spreading, herbaceous perennial. It prefers moist but well-drained soil, in full-sun to partial shade in any aspect but north-facing.

Devil's bit scabious growing in the Medieval Herb Garden

It flowers to a height of 3 ft with a spread of up to 18 inches. The flowers appear between July and October. They are borne on top of hairy, little-branched stems. The stems rise from a basal rosette of simple or distantly-toothed, lanceolate leaves.

The flowers are bluish to violet. They are in tight compound flower heads up to 1 inch across. Individual flowers are tetramerous, having four petals, four sepals (calyx), and a four-lobed epicalyx. Male and female flowers are produced on different flower heads. The female flower heads are smaller than the male flowers. The plant's anthers are large and borne upon filaments or threads. These are also almost as long as the petals.

In the first year of the plant's life the root is like a small carrot in shape. The lower part becomes woody and dies away. This gives the root a gnawed or bitten appearance. The root that remains throws out lateral roots. These compensate for the portion that has died.

Culinary uses of Devil's bit scabious

The plant is not typically classified as being edible. However, its young shoots and leaves can be eaten. They have a slightly bitter aftertaste, so probably not your new favourite snack.

Folklore and other facts about Devil's bit scabious

Due to the story of the Devil's anger over the plant's abilities to cure people, the devil's bit scabious has been associated with jealousy.

In some traditions, the plant is believed to offer protection from witchcraft.

A Cornish legend warns that picking devil's bit scabious will lead to the Devil appearing at your bedside that very night.

The flowers are frequented by hoverflies of the genus Eristalis. It is a good source of nectar. It is the larval food plant of the marsh fritillary (Euphydryas aurinia), and the narrow-bordered bee hawk-moth (Hemaris tityus).

The flowers are galled by the gall midge Contarinia dipsacearum. The leaves are eaten the triozid bug Trioza munda, and the roots by the nematode Meloidogyne hapla. The leaves are parasitised by the chytrid fungus Synchytrium succisae, the powdery mildew Erysiphe knautiae, the rust fungus Aecidium succisae, and the leaf spot fungi Fusicladium consors, Ramularia succisae, Septoria succisicola, and Septoria scabiosicola.

The flowers are parasitised by the smut fungi Microbotryum succisae and Microbotryum flosculorum. They're also affected by the downy mildew Peronospora violacea.

Fortunately, so far, these lovely plants in the MHG seem to have avoided being troubled by all of the above!

Medieval uses of Devil's bit scabious*

According to the herbalist John Gerard (1597):

"The greater part of the root seemeth to be bitten away; old fantastick charmers report that the divel did bite it for envie, because it is an herbe that hath so many good vertues and it is so beneficial to mankinde."

Traditionally, devil’s bit scabious was used to treat scabies, skin conditions, fevers, and coughs. It was supposedly very powerful against the plague and all pestilential diseases. It also treated fevers and poison, and the bites of venomous creatures.  

It was associated with various medicinal properties. These included being able to expel parasitic worms, being a cleanser and promoting urination.

*As always, this isn't to be considered medical advice today. Please don't use any plants mentioned in these blogs as medicine without advice from a doctor.

MHG Volunteer Blog 32: Sneezewort

It's time for the latest blog from our dedicated team of volunteer gardeners at Pontefract Castle.

Find out more about their blog series here.

Another sunny day was due. We started early to beat the heat. Helen potted on some winter savory and southernwood. Carole re-stocked the sales barrow. Then Helen and Lillie went to work on weeding the dry-stone wall. Meanwhile, Carole carefully pulled up the dying borage and cut back the viper’s bugloss. Those tiny little hairs can get through practically anything!

Caroline and Louis started to weed near the top of the MHG. Carole carried out the weekly flower count and thought about her preparations for the busy week ahead.

On Wednesday morning, Carole will be giving a “snip and sniff” tour and talk of the MHG to the Darrington Gardeners’ Club. In the early evening, she will be giving a short talk about the flavours of the some of the herbs at August’s Museum Meet-up at Pontefract Castle. On Saturday she will give the free monthly MHG talk.

We had two notable visitors today, one more welcome than the other. The first was a huge house spider! It had hidden from the heat amongst the plant pots. It gave us quite a scare as it suddenly scurried around.

A very large eight-legged visitor!

Most welcome was a councillor for the Hemsworth ward, who pops in on a regular basis. She wanted to let us know how well her pink mophead hydrangea was getting on. She had previously bought it from our sales barrow.

This was a timely conversation as next Monday we will be taking more hydrangea cuttings. Just pop along at 11 am if you want to know how it’s done and have a go yourself.

Plant of the week - Sneezewort (achiellea ptarmica)

The name 'sneezewort' comes from the plant’s ability to cause sneezing when dried, powdered and inserted in the nose. 

The genus name 'Achillea' is named in honour of the Greek warrior Achilles. In mythology he was taught the healing properties of this herb by his tutor Chiron the Centaur. 

The species name 'ptarmica' comes from the Greek word 'ptarmikos', 'to sneeze'.

Sneezewort is native to Europe and Western Asia. It is a vigorous, upright, clumping, herbaceous perennial. It can grow to a height and spread of 3ft. Its leaves are typically lanceolate or ovate in shape, with finely-toothed or lobed margins. They grow in an alternate arrangement along the stems. Like many other plants, the sneezewort's pattern of development displays the Fibonacci sequence.

It will grow in any moist, but well-drained, soil with a pH of between 6.5 and 8. It is best in full sun to part shade as long as it gets at least six hours of direct sunlight a day.

Sneezewort growing in the Medieval Herb Garden

It flowers between June and September. It grows loose clusters of white flowers with yellow-brown disc florets. Occasionally, as shown above, double-flowered forms are seen. The petals on each flower are notched.

Culinary uses of sneezewort

Sneezewort has a bitter, slightly peppery taste. The leaves have been used in salads or as a garnish.

Folklore and other facts about sneezewort

In some traditions, sneezewort has been associated with Venus. It was used in love potions and spells.

Sneezewort was often associated with purity and cleanliness. It was believed to ward off evil spirits and negative energies. In many cultures, the flower was used in various rituals and traditions to represent sincerity and straightforwardness.

Travellers sometimes carried sneezewort as a charm to protect them from injury on their journeys.

The leaves are also known to act as an insect repellent.

Medieval uses of sneezewort*

Chewing the fresh leaves or root can produce a numbing and tingling sensation, similar to Sichuan pepper. This made it a traditional remedy for toothache.

The dried and powdered leaves of sneezewort have been used as a 'sneezing powder'. In some cases they were added to snuff. This was thought to help clear nasal passages, relieve congestion and help with headaches.

Sneezewort is mildly toxic to cats and dogs. It is poisonous to horses and cattle.

*As always, this isn't to be considered medical advice today. Please don't use any plants mentioned in these blogs as medicine without advice from a doctor.

MHG Volunteer Blog 31: Toadflax

It's time for the latest blog from our dedicated team of volunteer gardeners at Pontefract Castle.

Find out more about their blog series here.

It was a bit of a wild start today. With both wind and rain lashing the Medieval Herb Garden it looked quite Autumnal.  This did not deter two lovely ladies, from near Lake Constance in Germany! They had stopped off to visit the castle on their way to Scotland.

Due to the weather, little could be done outside today. So, Dave checked on the strength of our “home-made” liquid fertilizer. Carole repackaged the lovage and alexanders seeds into smaller packets for storage and sowing next year. These had been harvested in the last couple of weeks. It was also an opportune time to tidy the grounds’ equipment cupboard. We also did a stocktake of plant pots and labels etc.

The Medieval Herb Garden on a windy summer's day

Plant of the Week - Toadflax (linaria vulgaris)

The Latin name 'Linaria' comes from 'linum' (flax). It was named by Linnaeus, due to its likeness to a flax plant before flowering. The name 'Toadflax' originated in the resemblance of the flower to the wide mouth of a toad. Because of its similarity to flax, it is often known as flaxweed.

It is also known as bridewort, gall wort and fluellin.

The mixture of light yellow and orange in the flowers has given it the folk names of 'Butter and Eggs,' 'Eggs and Bacon,' etc.

The genus 'Linaria' contains 125 species, seven of which are found in Great Britain. Toadflax is a perennial or annual, columnar, deciduous, herbaceous plant. It grows to a height and spread of 18 inches. It will grow in full sun in any South or West-facing, well-drained, loam or sandy soil.

Before flowering, it has a strong resemblance to flax. It has slender 6–18 in high stems. The leaves are fine, lance-shaped, threadlike, glaucous blue-green leaves. They are 0.75–2.25 in long and 0.04–0.20 in broad.

Toadflax flowers from mid-Summer to mid-Autumn. The flowers are similar to those of the antirrhinum or snapdragon. The flowers are pale yellow, except for the lower tip which is orange. They are are 0.98–1.30 in long, borne in dense terminal racemes (clusters).

Annual seed production is between 1,500–30,000. Most seeds fall within 18 inches of the parent plant.

Toadflax growing in the Medieval Herb Garden

Culinary uses of toadflax

There are no culinary uses of toadflax. The leaves of the Toadflax contain an acrid, but not milky, juice. This makes them quite unpleasant - even if the flowers look a bit like fried eggs!

Folklore and other facts about toadflax

Seeds of the common toadflax were identified from the Hoxnian interglacial strata at Clacton (424,000 to 374,000 years ago).

Toadflax was used in spells and rituals. It was also used as a protection against evil magic. In England, three toadflax seeds strung on a linen thread were said to ward off evil. It was also seen as a useful plant for breaking hexes. In Scotland, walking around a toadflax plant three times was said to unbind any spell.

The flowers have been used in Germany as a yellow dye.

During the 1600s, many people wore toadflax on the soles of their feet to ward off fevers.

The mouth of the flower is closed. It never opens until a strong insect forces its way in. Usually, the only visitors are the large bees; bumble-bee, honey-bee, and several wild bees. These are able to open the flower, and their tongues are long enough to reach the nectar.

Toadflax is a food plant for a large number of insects. These include: the bog fritillary (Boloria eunomia), sweet gale moth (Acronicta euphorbiae), mouse moth (Amphipyra tragopoginis), silver Y (Autographa gamma), toadflax moth (Calophasia lunula), toadflax pug (Eupithecia linariata), satyr pug (Eupithecia satyrata), red-fringed conch (Falseuncaria ruficiliana), boarded sallow (Pyrrhia umbra), brown rustic (Rusina ferruginea), and twin spot plume (Stenoptilia bipunctidactyla).

Medieval uses*

It was gathered when coming into flower and could be used fresh or dried. The plant was valued for its strongly laxative and diuretic activities. As a tisane, it was used internally for the treatment of jaundice, liver diseases, oedema, gall bladder complaints and skin problems.

A cooling ointment was made from the fresh plant. The whole herb would be chopped and boiled in lard until crisp. It was then strained. When cooled, it produced a fine green ointment, used against haemorrhoids, sores, ulcers and skin eruptions.

*As always, this isn't to be considered medical advice today. Please don't use any plants mentioned in these blogs as medicine without advice from a doctor.

MHG Volunteer Blog 30: Dyer's chamomile

It's time for the latest blog from our dedicated team of volunteer gardeners at Pontefract Castle.

Find out more about their blog series here.

Today, a new volunteer called Lillie joined us. Carole introduced Lillie to the other volunteers and showed her around the Medieval Herb Garden. Lillie had to read the MHG-specific health and safety guidance (with photos of the plants to be “wary of”). She then got to see them outside in situ.

Carole then chopped back some of the spent flowers, such as alecost, marigolds, and chicory. These are currently at least three weeks ahead of last year. She also harvested some lovage seeds for sowing next year.

Helen and Dave were kept busy weeding the MHG in the meantime.

Some unexpected, but most welcome, visitors this morning were three members of the Brazilian punk rock band 'Anti Virus'. Their lead singer was especially interested in the herbs. He translated our words for the other members of the band. He also explained to us how some of them are used in Brazil today.

Plant of the Week - Dyer's chamomile (cota tinctoria)

The word 'chamomile' comes from the Greek 'chamai', meaning 'on the ground', and 'mēlon', meaning 'apple'. This likely refers to the plant's low-growing habit and its flowers' apple-like fragrance.

The term 'dyer's' is added because the plant has been historically used to produce a yellow dye for fabrics. The name 'tinctoria' itself means 'dyeing' in Latin.

Its other names are yellow chamomile, golden marguerite and ox-eye chamomile.

In horticulture this plant is still widely referred to by its synonym, 'Anthemis tinctoria'.

Dyer's chamomile growing in the Medieval Herb Garden

Dyer's chamomile is native to Europe, the Caucasus and Iran. This amazingly bright yellow flowered plant can flower from May to October. Last year in the MHG, it flowered for 30 weeks!

It is a clump-forming, evergreen perennial. However, it tends to go leggy and needs a good 'haircut' after flowering.  It can sometimes die after two years of growth.

It will grow in any neutral to alkaline, well-drained soil. It can grow anywhere but north-facing, in full sun to part shade. It will even survive maritime exposure. It grows to a height and spread of up to 2ft.

It has deeply-cut, ferny foliage. This is mid to dark green above and downy-grey beneath, and has a pleasant smell. 

It has long-lasting yellow, daisy-like flowers, with darker yellow dome-shaped centres. The flowers are borne on long, thin angular stems. They have an apple-like scent.

Culinary uses of dyer's chamomile

As a dye plant, dyer's chamomile has no historically recorded culinary uses. 

It's not to be confused with German or Roman chamomile, which are used in teas.

Dyeing with dyer's chamomile

Dyer's chamomile flowers can be used either fresh or dried. They have been used for centuries to dye fabrics.

Dyer’s chamomile contains several chemicals that contribute to its yellow dye. These include flavones like apigenin and luteolin, as well as flavonols such as quercetagin and patuletin. These compounds, when extracted and used with a mordant, can produce a range of yellow shades. Mordants, like aluminium sulphate (alum), are crucial for fixing the dye to the fibres and intensifying the colour. Without a mordant, the colour may be very pale or even colourless.

The plant is said to work better on wool and silk than on cotton.

Folklore and other facts about dyer's chamomile

Dyer's chamomile may be used in combination with yarrow and nettles to create a liquid fertilizer.

It is pollinated by bees, butterflies, moths, flies and beetles.

Medieval uses*

Some traditional medicine may have used dyer's chamomile. It has anti-inflammatory, anti-muscle spasm and soothing properties.

It was drank as a tea, which could be made either from the flowers or the whole plant. Applied externally, it was used as a poultice on haemorrhoids. It could be applied to bath water. The leaves were also rubbed onto insect stings.

Care must be taken, however, as it is possible that dyer’s chamomile can raise blisters on the skin.

*As always, this isn't to be considered medical advice today. Please don't use any plants mentioned in these blogs as medicine without advice from a doctor.

MHG Volunteer Blog 29: Clary sage

It's time for the latest blog from our dedicated team of volunteer gardeners at Pontefract Castle.

Find out more about their blog series here.

The recent downpour had left the Medieval Herb Garden a bit too damp to walk on. We don’t want to squash all the air out of it. Instead, Carole pricked-out the winter savory seedlings for selling later on in the year. 

Winter savory is growing near the liquorice. It has an amazing citrusy smell that everyone immediately loves when they smell it. So, we are glad to be able to add it to our stock of home-grown herbs!

Winter savory seedlings in the Medieval Herb Garden

Carole was on her own today. She also chopped back some weld. This will be dried and used in future dyeing workshops, along with our woad. She then spent half an hour re-writing the plant labels for the sales barrow. Pencil, felt-tip and ink don’t seem to out-last the sun, so it looks like pyrography may be the way to go.

Plant of the Week - Clary sage (salvia sclerea)

The Latin name for clary sage is 'Salvia sclarea'. It comes from the Latin 'salvere' (to feel well, to feel healthy, heal). The English name 'clary' derives from Middle English 'clarie', via Anglo-Norman 'sclaree'. This in turn is from Late or Medieval Latin 'sclarēia', a word derived from 'clarus', meaning clear. Its other names are 'clear-eye sage', 'see bright' and 'tout-bonne'.

Clary sage was first introduced into Britain from Southern Europe in 1562. It is a deciduous, bushy, clump-forming, biennial plant.

In its first year clary sage forms a rosette of leaves. In its second year a 3-to-4-foot flower stalk forms with thick, square stems covered in hairs. The leaves are approximately 1 ft long at the base, and 6 in long higher up the plant. The upper leaf surface is wrinkled, and covered with glandular hairs.

The 1 inch flowers are in whorls, with between two and six flowers in each whorl. They are held in large colourful bracts that range in colour from pale mauve to lilac or white-to-pink.

Clary sage will grow in any south-facing, well-drained soil, in sun or partial shade.

Clary sage growing in the MHG

Culinary uses of clary sage

When clary sage is very young, the leaves can be used for cooking. Chopped leaves used to be dipped in batter and fried to produce fritters.

The flowers have a long history of being added to salads. They made a popular drink before black tea arrived from China.

In the Middle Ages, it was common to use clary sage instead of hops in beer. It was also used to flavour vermouths, wines and liqueurs.

In Germany it is known as Muscatel sage. It was infused with elderflower and used in the 1500s to flavour wines. It made an imitation Muscatel (a wine made from muscat grapes).

Folklore and other facts about clary sage

Clary sage is associated with vision. It was used as an aid for meditation, even opening the ‘third eye’ of clairvoyants. It was thought to enhance the ability to dream and remember dreams. It was also used in love spells.

Clary sage contains sclareol. This is a scent molecule that can be used to mimic the effects of ambergris in perfume production.

Medieval uses*

Clary sage's medicinal uses have been described as far back as the 300s BC.

It was called 'clear eye sage'. Ancient herbalists used it as an eyewash to soothe and cleanse the eye. This was because of its antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory properties. It was also used for intestinal complaints, colic, soft bones and fractures. It could also be used to rejuvenate and calm the skin.

The chemical sclareol, found in the flowers, has also been explored for its potential in treating conditions like arthritis and dysmenorrhea.

Clary sage oil was renowned for its stress-relieving properties. The oil contains compounds such as linalyl acetate and linalool. These are known to have calming effects on the nervous system, promote relaxation, and even improve sleep quality.

*As always, this isn't to be considered medical advice today. Please don't use any plants mentioned in these blogs as medicine without advice from a doctor.