Not a monastery as such, but modelled on the form. These are the gardens at The Cloisters in Manhattan, an 'outpost' of the Metropolitan Museum devoted to medieval art, inspired by and utilising elements of monastic cloisters, "evoking gardens that provided sustenance and spiritual refreshment within the medieval monastery".
The Bonnefont garden is home to one of the most specialized plant collections in the world, its plant list founded on a 9th. century edict of Charlemagne's naming 89 species to be grown on his estates, supplemented by herbals, monastic records and archaeological evidence.
Plants are grouped according to their medieval use, "whether in cooking, medicine, art, industry, housekeeping, or magic. Most plants had multiple uses, and virtually all plants were believed to have medicinal value. Many herbs, trees, and flowers were used symbolically as well as practically."
The Cloisters are a bit of a trek from central Manhattan but very much worth visiting.
Oh I like that very much.
Posted by: Sam | 10 July 2015 at 03:21 PM
It was a wonderful place, Sam, and the gardens were special - I'd love to visit again.
Posted by: Cornflower | 10 July 2015 at 03:54 PM
You've inspired me to revisit if possible when we are in Brooklyn to meet our grandson due to be born in October. My memory of discovering The Cloisters is very sweet. The aspect over the Hudson is magnificent Thanks for the photos!
Posted by: Martina | 11 July 2015 at 12:41 PM
If you walked through Fort Tryon Park on your way there you may have crossed the path of a humming bird or two,we have been so lucky just twice.
Up there is a haven of peace and quiet.
Lovely,I'm pleased you enjoyed it.
Posted by: Kathleen. | 11 July 2015 at 03:42 PM
That sounds interesting, historical collections of plants are always fascinating, and we could all benefit from more cloisters in our surroundings (cool, peaceful, contemplative).
Posted by: Spade & Dagger | 12 July 2015 at 11:26 AM
I live less than a half hour from The Cloisters. My husband and I had one of our first dates there. We took our children often. Now my oldest takes her little one and then picnics in the park. A lovely connection to think of you there!
Posted by: Mrs. Pom | 13 July 2015 at 03:49 AM
Have you ever been to the Medieval Gardens at the Cluny Museum in Paris? They're not very big (much smaller than The Cloisters I should think) but the idea behind them is similar. They're planted out according to the symbolism of plants, as well as their uses, with a love garden and a celestial garden, alongside culinary and medicinal areas, and some others. There's a tie-in to those wonderful Cluny tapestries, and it's really beautiful, a little oasis of peace and tranquility in the heart of the city, with water running through, and aromatic herbs and fragrant flowers.
Posted by: Christine Harding | 13 July 2015 at 04:47 PM
Multiple treats in store for you in October, Martina!
Posted by: Cornflower | 13 July 2015 at 08:46 PM
Haven is right, Kathleen. No, we didn't see a hummingbird, but so many other delights.
Posted by: Cornflower | 13 July 2015 at 08:47 PM
Yes!
Posted by: Cornflower | 13 July 2015 at 08:47 PM
That is lovely!
Posted by: Cornflower | 13 July 2015 at 08:47 PM
That sounds like a must for me, Christine. Mr. C. knows the museum, but I have never been, so we must put that right a.s.a.p!
Posted by: Cornflower | 13 July 2015 at 08:50 PM
It's 20 years since I visited the Cloisters - and longer since I went to the Musee de Cluny - but I remember them both with delight. Both are gems for the medievalist. The gardens of the Cloisters were a complete surprise to me, and quite fascinating.
Posted by: Dancing Beastie | 30 August 2015 at 11:19 PM