One of the signs you’re a herbalist is if you notice interesting plants wherever you go; if you think a traffic jam is a chance to examine what’s growing in the verges you normally whizz past; if town visits mean looking down to spot green growth in the pavement crevices as much as looking up at the buildings. The herbs are always there to charm us.
Just before Christmas, I took the opportunity to join a group of artists in Gloucester taking my space in their shop – Gloucester Arts and Crafts Centre. It’s on Westgate Street, a place steeped in history. Each of the creatives volunteers for several shifts a month working in the shop so I’m becoming a regular visitor to Gloucester, enjoying seeing it change through the seasons. In the cold winter months, I started sussing out the most herby spots, now it’s summer I’m able to enjoy their full glory.
Herbal welcome
It is always a joy on arrival to look up as I cross the road from the train station and see the ancient cathedral tower perfectly framed by the modern office buildings that are part of the redevelopment of Gloucester’s transport hub. The broad pavement between these two mid-height blocks has the first herbal delight. Wide beds that journey you through time from the Roman to the Medieval city, stories told through the medium of plants.
Plants as storytellers
In the Roman section, the depiction is a soundscape of grasses, interspersed with corncockle and pimpernel, plus of course the many plant additions they made. By Medieval times there is more orderly monastic gardening with gallica roses, lavender, lemon balm and marshmallow.
Further beds sweep around the buildings and bus station, their raised edges providing places to sit – a fragrant space to wait for your next connection. Yarrow and daisies are abundant under majestic lime trees ready to prolifically scent the air. I do wonder how many people notice the array of purposeful plants and the potential they hold.
Plants for renewal
King’s Square sits between the station and the centre of town. The mid-century monolithic old Debenhams building has been converted into a hub for Gloucester University bringing new levels of vitality to the site. This suits the Square’s new voluptuous concrete curves. These have been planted with slightly more municipal shrubbery than I’d have liked, but the glossy leaves do fill their spaces with peaceful green. Further curvaceousness comes from the pop-up water jets arching their fountains over the pavement. Many were happy to receive a cool spray from them on one of the hottest May days ever.
Gothic grandure
My train times allow me half an hour of wandering before I’m due at the shop. I’ll always try to take in the cathedral and its grounds. Over the months I’ve been able to see the cardoons and scabious in the beds in front of the cathedral dramatically gain height. Those sitting on the surrounding benches are now completely hidden! Now the sun is out, plenty opt for the various grassy lawns instead giving the area a park-like feel.
Cloistered charm
The real treat, though, is to follow the path round to the back of the cathedral and along towards the Kings School buildings. These are an ancient mix of stone and timber, including what is reputed to be the oldest classroom in England. I’m drawn here to the cloister garden, established as a physic garden with medicinal plants. Though there is a helpful sign telling us about the garden, again, I wonder how many stop to gaze.
However, in June you would have to be nose blind not to be somewhat arrested by the magical scent in the air. Metres away the roses have diffused their scent, a fragrance that wraps perfectly around the Medieval stonework.
From this garden, walking round through the working buildings of the school and cathedral, there is further unfolding of scent and visual delight at each turn. June truly is the month of roses.
Recently reading Guy Waddell’s collection of Christopher Hedley’s words, I learnt that it is believed bathing in yellow rose petals can completely change your life. Climbing the ruined walls of the old priory I found the perfect specimen. But I’m not tempted to ‘liberate them’, I’m not wishing any big life change, not while I can happily watch the herbs through their seasons.
Gloucester Herb Walk
As an addition to our regular Cotswold Herb Centre walks I’ve been asked to organise a Gloucester Herb Walk, followed by herbal tea tasting at the Gloucester Arts and Crafts Centre, date to be confirmed soon.
Along with selling my Field Fresh Skincare kits to blend your own creams and balms, I also run regular skincare making workshops at the Gloucester Arts and Crafts Centre.
Leave a Reply