7th Grade Medieval History

7th Grade Medieval History

7th Grade Medieval History is explored through the medieval peasants’ garden. Students use the garden to study medieval culture from around 800 to 1400 B.C. Designed by the students themselves, it features plants and herbs that monks would have used for medicinal and culinary purposes.

Medieval Garden design

A teacher who specializes in medieval history became interested in having a medieval “cloister garden.” After conducting background research, he and the students created a13’x13’ Medieval European peasant garden.

Bisected by a cross design in flagstones, the garden was constructed by the students themselves and replicates the kind of garden common folk would typically visit for medicinal and culinary herbs. Students built a stick fence around it to mark borders and keep a simple look. In each quadrant is planted a variety of medicinal and culinary herbs, most of which are still used today.

Plants for 7th grade Medieval History

Students explore the plants in the medieval garden and research their uses in their 7th Grade history class. All plants are labeled in both English and Latin to reinforce Language Arts lessons. During the Middle Ages, most plants were used for medicinal purposes, but also had many other uses—insect repellants, disinfectants and fabric dyes, for example. Their uses as culinary plants did not develop until later.

• Mullein stalks were dipped in wax and used to make a torch because there was no electricity. When cut off, the stalk is very thick and dry so works well as a “Roman candle” type torch. Using all parts of the plant was important—mullein leaves were placed into the insoles of shoes to prolong the wear and tear.

• Lady's bedstraw was used to stuff mattresses. It supposedly smelled like fresh mown grass.

• Many plants were used as insect repellants. They were strewn on the floor to make the house smell good and ward off certain insects infesting the dirt floors.

• Rosemary was one of many plants used in the household as a disinfectant

• Dyes and fibers were another common use of plants. Students dry safflower and harvest the petals to make an orange yellow dye that was used for monk's robes.

• Indigo is fascinating plant that ties into 8th grade history. It was brought over by slaves in the period before the Civil War. They often grew indigo and rice, rotating their crops. Indigo was an export crop as well, particularly to England.