23 6 
Old Time Gardens 
A vivid description of Ambrosia is that of 
Gerarde in his delightful Herb all. 
u Oke of Jerusalem, or Botrys, hath sundry small stems 
a foote and a halfe high dividing themselves into many 
small branches. The leafe very much resembling the leafe 
of an Oke, which hath caused our English women to call 
it Oke of Jerusalem. The upper side of the leafe is a 
deepe greene and somewhat rough and hairy, but under- 
neath it is of a darke reddish or purple colour. The seedie 
floures grow clustering about the branches like the yong 
clusters or blowings of the Vine. The roote is small and 
thriddy. . The whole herbe is of a pleasant smell and 
savour, and the whole plant dieth when the seed is ripe. 
Oke of Jerusalem is of divers called Ambrosia.” 
Ambrosia has been loved for many centuries by 
Englishwomen ; it is in the first English list of 
names of plants, which was made in 1548 by one 
Dr. Turner ; and in this list it is called “ Ambrose.” 
He says of it : — 
u Botrys is called in englishe, Oke of Hierusalem, in 
duche, trauben kraute, in french pijmen. It groweth in 
gardines muche in England.” 
Ambrosia has now died out “in gardines muche 
in England.” I have had many letters from Eng- 
lish flower lovers telling me they know it not; and 
I have had the pleasure of sending the seeds to 
several old English and Scotch gardens, where I 
hope it will once more grow and flourish, for I am 
sure it must feel at home. 
