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Archivists' Garden - Guide

Guide to the plants in the Archivists' Garden

Detailed information has been collated by the cultural association of each species - Events (Birth, Marriage or Death), Famous Scots, Heraldry, Homecoming or Tartan.

Either navigate to the headings in the left-hand menu, or browse through the alphabetic list at the foot of this page.

The role of plants in Scottish culture

Much of the information is associated with the former cultural role of plants in people's daily lives. You may be surprised to learn that many of these traditional beliefs and associations were rooted in classical mythology, ancient legends and now forgotten religions.

One hope is that the garden can in someway reconnect visitors with the traditions of our ancestors through the stories which are told before the customs and beliefs are completely lost. For example, would it not be really good if we could return to the tradition of planting an apple tree to celebrate the birth of a boy and a pear for girl? Do you know why they did that? Or what about the link between almonds, marriage and Robert Louis Stevenson, never mind your wedding cake!

Some plants have a direct link with tartan - through plant dyes - relating the garden to the new tartan register. References to heraldry are also made in recognition of the strong connections between the plants and the work of the Court of the Lord Lyon.

Plants as symbols

Symbols are a useful means of communicating information quickly. In older, more rural cultures, the shapes and colours of plants were an obvious source of images. In Scotland, plants have long been used to represent clans and families - as the plant badges of the clans or as elements in heraldry. And, of course, they represent countries: the thistle of Scotland; the rose of England.

Plants representing events

Plants also came to represent events - such as weddings or funerals - and emotions. Some of these associations are ancient, originating far from Scotland in the mythologies of other cultures. This symbolism peaked with the Victorians who developed a 'Language of Flowers'. The link with emotions fed naturally into artistic expression, and flowers are often used as symbols in poetry.

Famous Scots

Some of the fascinating stories associated with more familiar plants such as rowan and heather are also told in detail, highlighting their cultural significance to Scots at home and abroad, especially given Scotland's recent 'Year of Homecoming'. Where possible, associations have also been made between the plants and famous Scots. Some of these have been enlightening, shocking and amusing, with tales of good deeds, murder and high jinks coming to light.