Amazing stories about plants
These extracts from issues of AG in 1969 look at the stories behind various plants and the derivations of their names
Rosemary for remembrance
A native of southern Europe and accustomed to a warmer climate than ours, rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) has nevertheless apparently managed to endure our winters or, at any rate, southern English winters, for many a century. Some say the monks brought this attractive shrub over to Britain, while others point out that the Anglo-Saxons knew about it.
However, it seems probable the Romans grew it here. But perhaps our worst winters did kill it off and perhaps our stocks have often had to be renewed from warmer parts.
What we do know is that for centuries rosemary has been grown for its decorative appearance, its use as a flavouring, its medicinal properties and for what can only be called ‘sentimental reasons’. “There’s rosemary, that’s for remembrance; pray, love, remember,” the sad Ophelia said in Hamlet.
By Shakespeare’s time
