The Apple Tree
The garden in the 1597 frontispiece is thought to be based on other European woodcuts and modified to suit an Elizabethan garden. As John Gerard worked for Lord Burghley (William Cecil), it is possible that this is a representation of his garden at that time.
John Gerard encourages people to,
“have land and living ..to .. Graffe, plant and nourish up trees in every corner of your grounds, the labour is small, the cost is nothing, the commoditie is great, your selves shall have plentie, the poor shall have somwhat is time of want to relieve their necessitie, and God shall reward your good mindes and diligence”.
The phrase ‘An Apple a day keeps the doctor away’, became popular in the 19th century. Benefits of apples include:
- soluble fibre that helps lower cholesterol
- the bioflavonoids properties help in the treatment of asthma and other lung diseases
- quercetin which is believed to be protective against heart disease and cancer
- enhances dental hygiene
The apple shown below was compiled from red and yellow brolly fabric.
