By Brenda Hyde

Brother Cadfael's Herb Garden is a delightful book for any herb gardener, as well as a companion book to the Brother Cadfael mystery novels by Ellis Peters. You see, Brother Cadfael is actually a fictional character loved by readers around the world. Ellis Peters is the pen name of Edith Pargeter, who wrote this outstanding series of medieval mysteries featuring her beloved character, Brother Cadfael, a monk who is also a gardener and herbalist. Her research into herbal folk lore was extensive. She brought the medieval world to life for modern readers.

In Brother Cadfael's Herb Garden the author quotes not only the The Brother Cadfael Cronicles (which are marked with a symbol), but also from many medieval herbal resources. The book gives us an understanding of what herbs meant during those times when they were not just culinary treasures but were considered indispensable for medicinal remedies.

The book also includes a wonderful A-Z of Medieval Plants and Herbs. Though they do included a disclaimer to use this as a companion to other herb sources, the list is better than many I've seen and has fascinating tidbits. For Brother Cadfael fans it lists in which book the particular is herb mentioned.

I have countless books on growing and using herbs, but I enjoyed this colorful exploration into the historical aspect of herbal gardens. I found myself appreciating my herb garden through new eyes after reading Brother Cadfael's Herb Garden.

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