In this guide, manuscript illuminations, miniatures and tapestries depict the flowering trees and carpets of wild-flowers of the medieval garden. The illustrations bring these environments to life as well as providing insights into the plants grown and the layout of the gardens. Surviving texts are included which reveal the importance of features such as fountains, screening trelliswork and soft seats of turf, as well as birdsong and aromatic plants. The plants grown often had culinary, medicinal or herbal properties in addition to symbolic meaning: the beauty and utility of flowers were taken as evidence of God's work. The selection of texts included reflect this symbolism. Beginning with an interpretation of the Garden of Eden, through visions of Earthly Paradise to the Celestial Garden, the blend of spiritual and earthly reflects the popular beliefs of medieval times.