Introduction

Nick says: If you want to find out more about the connection with Elizabeth I, read ‘Stars of Fortune’ by Cynthia Harnett, Mammoth (Egmont Children’s Books Ltd – ISBN 0-7497-0514-0). Do you know what a ‘legend’ is?

Rosie: As I was saying, the plot is next to the main herb garden at Sulgrave Manor. So we thought it would be a good idea to ask your help in designing it.

Nick: We received lots of ideas and have used as many as we can in the finished garden. We are going to add a few more in the autumn - for example, a willow seat – which is best done then.

Rosie: Some photographs show children at Ravenswood School in Newcastle planting the herbs in their school garden. They received the herbs as a prize for entering so many ideas.

Nick: The photograph below shows the garden just after it was planted in early June 2007. Another photograph shows how the garden has grown after all the heavy rain.

Rosie: As you can see, the garden is based on the idea of circles and cycles. The herb bed is round – circular and the corner tubs are also round.

Nick: Growing things follow a cycle – planting seeds- growing into plants - producing flowers that attract insects - then form seeds which fall to the ground to begin the cycle all over again.

Rosie: Another cycle is the rain, or water, cycle, which we have experienced a lot this summer! You will learn about these cycles in your Science lessons. Perhaps you can think of others? if so, find out how to send us your ideas.

Nick: The idea of circles comes from Sulgrave Manor itself. To get to the main garden you go down steps. The steps have ornamental pillars with globes on top. This idea links with idea of the world being a ‘globe’. So then we get the name for the garden:

"The Living Earth Garden"

Rosie: And not only that. The first bed you come to as you go down the steps is circular, which matches the circular bed in the new children’s herb garden. So you see everything connects. Or joins up in a circle!