Tag Archives: greek myth

The Golden Oranges and Lemons of the Hesperides

Posted on 17/06/2023 by The Garden History Blog

We saw last week how the story of the Golden Apples from the legendary Garden the Hesperides was adapted by 17thc gardening writers to imply that Hercules didn’t steal apples but golden oranges and lemons instead. That switch from … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged art history, citrus, conservatory, Germany, greek myth, Netherlands, orangery | Leave a comment

The Golden Apples of the Hesperides

Posted on 10/06/2023 by The Garden History Blog

Greek myths are eternally popular, so after a recent post on the story behind aquilegias today I’m turning my attention to another garden-related classical legend , that of the Garden of the Hesperides. The garden belonged to the queen of … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged apples, art history, citrus, greek myth | Leave a comment

Aquilegia and other Greek flower myths

Posted on 20/05/2023 by The Garden History Blog

My aquilegias are looking amazing at the moment. I’ve encouraged them to seed everywhere they want, and the more I grow them the more I like them. But why are they called aquilegia and why do my French friends and … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged anemones, asters, botanical art, George London, greek myth, Henry Wise, peonies, plant breeding, taxonomy | Leave a comment

Christmas with the Vicar and some Naked Ladies

Posted on 21/12/2019 by The Garden History Blog

Scratching my head for something suitably seasonal, and having previously looked at poinsettia and mistletoe but reluctant to do the obvious like Christmas Trees, holly or ivy, it occurred to me that very little has been written about Naked Ladies…. … Continue reading →