The Plant Lore And Garden Craft Of Shakespeare
William Shakespeare is widely regarded as one of the greatest playwrights in history. But what many people don't know is that he was also a passionate gardener. His plays are filled with references to plants and gardens, and he was well-versed in the lore and craft of gardening. In this article, we'll explore the plant lore and garden craft of Shakespeare and how it influenced his work.
Shakespeare's Gardens
Shakespeare was born and raised in Stratford-upon-Avon, a small town in England. It's believed that his family had a garden where he spent much of his childhood. Later in life, he owned a property in Stratford-upon-Avon called New Place, which had a large garden that he tended to himself. It's likely that he also had access to other gardens throughout his life, including those belonging to wealthy patrons.
Plants in Shakespeare's Plays
Shakespeare's plays are filled with references to plants and flowers. Some of the most famous examples include the rose in Romeo and Juliet, the daffodils in A Winter's Tale, and the herb rue in Richard II. These references often have symbolic meanings, such as the rose representing love or the daffodils representing rebirth.
Shakespeare also used plants and their properties in his plays. For example, in Macbeth, the three witches brew a potion that includes "root of hemlock, digged i' the dark" and "liver of blaspheming Jew." This reflects the belief in the medicinal properties of certain plants during Shakespeare's time.
Shakespeare's Knowledge of Gardening
Shakespeare was not only knowledgeable about plants and their properties, but he also had a deep understanding of gardening. He wrote about the importance of proper soil preparation, the benefits of crop rotation, and the use of compost. He also knew about the various tools and techniques used in gardening, such as pruning and grafting.
Shakespeare's knowledge of gardening is evident in his plays as well. For example, in The Winter's Tale, the character Perdita gives a speech about the proper way to plant a garden. She advises that "the fairest flowers o' the season / Are our carnations and streak'd gillyvors" and that "the garden's noblest occupant / The bee may here find room." This shows that Shakespeare not only knew about gardening, but he also appreciated its beauty and importance.
Legacy of Shakespeare's Gardening
Shakespeare's love of gardening has had a lasting impact on the world. His plays have inspired countless gardeners and garden designers, and his words continue to be quoted in garden literature today. In Stratford-upon-Avon, the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust maintains a garden that is believed to be similar to the one that Shakespeare tended at New Place.
Overall, Shakespeare's plant lore and garden craft are an important part of his legacy. They show that he was not only a great writer, but also a lover of nature and the outdoors. His knowledge of plants and gardening has influenced generations of gardeners, and his words continue to inspire us today.
