The Enamelled Mead: History and practice of exotic perennials grown in grassy swards

Abstract

The history of the practice of growing exotic perennials in grassy swards, which is considered by some to be a new practice, is researched. The available information is surveyed, and a number of different trends are identified. It is concluded that there is a long pedigree, with the earliest verified evidence dating from the Middle Ages, from which time the practice has continued in private gardens, but has been applied in public parks only in the 20th century. The earliest known terminology for the practice, in use by the early 17th century, appears to be ‘enamelling’, but this word became disused during the 19th century, when it became seen as an aspect of ‘wild gardening’. During the 20th century the mediaeval representation of this practice has been referred to as ‘flowery mead’, while the contemporary 20th-century practice became known as ‘meadow gardening’.

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