Marietta Daisies Garden Club
- mariettadaisies
- Nov 8, 2025
- 3 min read
Updated: Nov 9, 2025
The History and Traditions of Plant-Lore
For thousands of years, people have relied on plants for food, medicine, and spiritual wellbeing. The knowledge surrounding how plants can be used—whether for healing, protection, or ceremony—is often referred to as plant-lore. This traditional wisdom has been passed down through generations, blending observation, experience, and belief. It includes not only how and when to grow and harvest plants, but also awareness of their possible side effects and symbolic meanings.
Plants in Seasonal and Spiritual Traditions
In many pre-Christian European traditions, plants played a central role in seasonal celebrations. During Midsummer (24 June), for example, herbs were believed to reach the height of their healing and magical power. People thought that evil or mischievous spirits were most active at this time, and garlands of protective herbs and flowers were worn to guard against them.
One of the most significant plants associated with Midsummer is St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum), once known as “chase devil.” The plant’s name and its bright yellow midsummer flowers are linked to the Feast of St. John the Baptist, which falls on the same day. Traditionally, it was used to treat wounds and infections. Today, extracts of St. John’s Wort are still used in herbal medicine, particularly for supporting mental health and alleviating symptoms of mild depression.
The Medicinal Garden
Before the rise of modern medicine, gardens served as vital sources of both food and healing remedies. Plants with multiple uses were especially valued in small household plots.
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) was prized not only as a flavouring herb but also for its antiseptic and stimulating properties. It was used in medicinal tinctures and lotions.
Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) had even broader uses: it was added to food, used to scent clothing and linens, and scattered on floors to freshen indoor spaces. Lavender oil and infusions were also used to soothe headaches and aid sleep.
Such plants made the domestic garden a combined kitchen, apothecary, and place of wellbeing.
Tussie-Mussies and Nosegays
By the 15th century, people commonly carried small bouquets of herbs and flowers known as tussie-mussies or nosegays. These were designed to sweeten the air and protect against disease at a time when sanitation was poor and unpleasant smells were thought to spread illness.
Early tussie-mussies typically included strong-scented herbs such as rosemary, sage, southernwood, and thyme, often with a rose at the centre. Later versions incorporated hyssop, wallflowers, chamomile, marjoram, and lemon balm. Such bouquets were carried through city streets or placed near judges and officials in courtrooms to protect them from infections brought by prisoners.
Midsummer Herb Gathering
The summer solstice, or longest day of the year, was an important time for gathering herbs. Plants collected on this day were thought to be at the peak of their potency. Herbs such as lavender, mugwort, chamomile, and rose were used to create charms and garlands that celebrated the season and symbolised harmony with nature.
Lavender stems were often woven into decorative wands, while the remaining flowers were dried in bundles and hung beneath the eaves for future use. Other herbs believed to be most effective when harvested at Midsummer included chamomile, calendula, fennel, hemp, rosemary, thyme, meadowsweet, verbena, sage, mint, elder, and rose. Once dried, these plants were stored carefully to provide remedies and household preparations throughout the year.
Summary
Plant-lore represents a valuable connection between people and the natural world. It reflects centuries of experimentation, observation, and belief. Although modern science has replaced many traditional remedies, the legacy of herbal knowledge continues to influence contemporary medicine, wellbeing practices, and our cultural relationship with plants.
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