I often write about gardens in my Highlander books, but truth be told there is little known about gardens in 13th century Scotland. They are mentioned in some 15th century writing, but before that little is known.
Pure survival alone has me thinking they had to have had some sort of garden where they grew a number of necessary plants. Medicinal plants could be found in various areas in the woods, but it is difficult for me to believe that a wise woman would not keep seeds or take a rooted plant and replant it near her home where she would have easy access to it, instead of having to constantly forage in the woods.
With that in mind, I have created gardens in my books that I believe women did have at that time. We women are industrious creatures, and the women of old had no choice but to be so out of complete necessity, for neither they nor their families would have survived.
I am looking forward to writing The Legendary Highlander, book three in my Highland Myth Trilogy. The heroine is a healer from a long history of healers and, of course would have an extensive garden. Her knowledge to learn more about the human body gets her into trouble and she is deemed first a demon and then a witch. You will first meet her in Highland Secrets A Cree & Dawn Novel. She has an interesting past and an uncertain future. A greatly admire her.
Here’s a pic of one of the lovely gardens at Kylemore Abbey in Connemara when I visited Ireland years ago. It’s a beautiful place with quite a history.
Watch for more tidbits on Highland Secrets a Cree & Dawn Novel.
Hugs!
Donna
