ONE of the oldest and most iconic features in Wensleydale is asking its neighbours to help populate its gardens.

Having just re-opened to the public, the attractive medieval gardens at Bolton Castle has colourful new plans for next year. With Easter just gone and spring in the air the idea has arisen to underplant the castle's roses with a pretty array of lungwort and grape hyacinths to produce a riot of colour for Easter 2022.

The idea for the enclosed medieval-style garden was conceived by head gardener Elizabeth Carter several years ago with keen support from Tom Orde-Powlett, the son of Lord Bolton.

Following the establishment of the Church of England, particularly during the reign of Henry VIII, Catholics had to resort to secret and subtle ways to practice their faith. Gardening with the plants representing aspects of their religion was common. Many native or original species of plants that would have been at Bolton Castle in the 15th and 16th Centuries have religious symbolism.

Lungwort (Pulmonaria Officinalis), also known as Jerusalem Cowslip, was considered as a cure for diseases of the lungs in medieval times. At the castle it can be found in the Herb Garden and also features in the Mary Garden, where all the plants are dedicated to the Virgin Mary. In this context the plant became known as “Mary's Tears” with the white spots on the leaves representing her tear stains, and the changing colour of the flowers from pink to blue indicating her blue eyes reddened with weeping.

Grape hyacinth (Muscari neglectum), known as Lent Flowers or Church Steeples, was known to represent prudence and constancy, is another plant featured in the castle's Mary Garden.

Having worked tirelessly to populate the garden with many original species, Ms Carter thought as they are very common garden plants it would be nice to hear from anyone who has any spare that they would like to bring from their gardens.

She said: “These lovely plants would add lots of colour at this time of year and the idea of local gardens having a connection to the castle in this way is rather appealing.”

Any donations please contact: Elizabeth@boltoncastle.co.uk or ring or text 07981 908717.