The Knot Garden
The John Ray Memorial Garden is based on an authentic Knot Garden design, taken from The Country Housewife’s Garden by William Lawson (1638) and planted with flowers known to have been growing in this country by the end of the 17th century. Some of the native plants were first discovered by John Ray and are recorded in Historia Plantarum.
Plan of the Knot Garden [72K]
The well is a clever visual illusion. The stones of the well-head are believed to have come, originally, from the Chapel of St. John the Baptist, the private chapel of the Bishop of London whose palace was situated at Braintree’s Chapel Hill, and may have been known to Ray.
Braintree District Council created the Knot Garden in 1986 to mark the 300th anniversary of John Ray, the "Father of English Botany". It is part of Braintree and Bocking Public Gardens, established in 1888 by Mr Sidney Courtauld.
The Gardens are situated in Bocking End, approximately one quarter mile north of Braintree town centre. The Knot Garden is in an area to the north of the tennis courts. The Gardens are open from 8.45am until sunset each day (including Sundays).
Culinary Plants
Artemesia vulgaris (Mugwort) Drinks, brewing
Primula veris (Cowslip) Drinks, Salads
Viola odorata (Sweet Violet) Candied-Flavouring
Salvia officinalis (Sage) Flavouring
Thymus sertyllum albus (Thyme) Flavouring
Borago off cinalis (Borage) Salads, Drinks
Melissa offf cinalis (Lemon Balm) Flavouring
Anethum graveolens (Dill) Salads & Fish
Medicinal Plants
Hepatica triloba (Liverwort) Liver Complaints
Anthemis noblis (Chamomile) Agues, Nerves
Campanula persicifolia (Bell Flower) Sore throats, mouth ulcer
Achillea ptarmica (Sneezewort) Snuff
Centranthus rubra (Valerian) Nervous disorders
Lysimachia numularia (Creeping Jenny) Anti-flies
Polygonatum multiflorum (Solomons Seal) Wound dressings
Tussilagofarfara(Coltsfoot) Coughs
Household plants
Artemisia abrotanum (Lads love) aromatic-Clothing
Rosmarinus off cinalis (Rosemary) Aromatic, cosmetic
Ruta graveolens (Rue) Strewing-aromatic
Lavandula spica (Lavender) Aromatic-Clothing
Santolina incana (Cotton/Lavender) Strewing, Aromatic
Geum urbanum (Herb bennet) Perfume-Strewing, Aromatic
Saponaria officinalis (Soapwort) Washing
Pulsatilla vulgaris (Easter or Pasque Flower) Dye
Ornamental Plants
Erythronium denscallis (Dogs tooth violet)
Geranium sanguineum (Cranes Bill)
Helleborus niger (Christmas Rose)
Armeria maritima (Thrift)
Pulmonaria officinalis (Lungwort)
Primula vulgaris (Primrose)
Myosotis (Forget-me-not)
Physalis alkekengi (Chinese lantern)
In each corner of the beds:
Rosa gallica ‘Officinalis’ (Apothecary Rose).