Why plant rosemary by your garden gate? There is no doubt about the many benefits of keeping rosemary in your garden. But, why do they say to keep it by your garden gate?
I know why I do, but I wanted to find out if there was more to it.
After finishing my research I found that there are really two different ways to answer this question: symbolically and practically. In this article I will look at both reasons. But first, here is an introduction to the rosemary plant itself.
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) is a Mediterranean plant that originated in Southern Europe where it is a native to the dry, rocky hills.
The name rosemary actually has an interesting meaning. “Ros ” (dew), and “marinus” (belonging to the sea). When you put that together you get Rosmarine “dew belonging to the sea”, or “dew of the sea”. I read that it is named this because of the green grey appearance of its glistening needle-like leaves, how close it grows to the sea, and apparently somewhat to do with its smell.
Rosemary is a well-known evergreen shrub that in my opinion is the most aromatic herb you can grow. I just can’t resist runny my hands through it to release the rosemary essential oil as I walk by. I feel that the aroma of a rosemary plant has such a calming effect. It will also get little blue flowers in the second year and onwards if it is able to overwinter. At least I have never had mine flower in one season here in Ontario, Canada.
Rosemary is a tender perennial that will grow 24-36 inches tall in zones 8 – 10. Most varieties can survive winters down to -12.2 C (10 F), but there are some varieties that can handle colder temperatures as well. If your winters get much colder than this, then you should bring it inside over winter or provide some other protection.
Historic Uses of Rosemary
Rosemary has been used for centuries both in the kitchen and in other ways. It has come in and out of popularity over time, but still remains very popular today.
Rosemary was a popular herb to use at weddings. It was said that a rosemary branch decorated with silk ribbons of all colours would be given to wedding guests as a symbol of love and loyalty. The bride would also wear a wreath that had rosemary in it.
Oddly enough, rosemary was also used a lot for funerals as a symbol of remembrance. Other uses include; decorating churches and banquet halls, at festivals, as incense in religious ceremonies, and for protection against magic.
They would also place fresh rosemary in the prisoners dock at the courts to protect others from any possible disease or negative energies that the prisoner may have.
Interesting Quotes About Rosemary
Through my research I found some entertaining quotes about rosemary that I thought you might enjoy too.
In early times, rosemary was freely cultivated in kitchen gardens and came to represent the dominant influence of the house mistress .. where rosemary flourished the woman rules
“Culinary Herbs”, Grieve,1890
There’s Rosemary for you, that’s for remembrance! Pray, you, love, remember
Hamlet, Shakespear
Influence of Practical Magic and Rosemary by the Garden Gate
Ok so here is my number one reason why I plant rosemary by the garden gate. It is because of the movie and book “Practical Magic”.The book was originally written by Alice Hoffman in 1995 and then later turned into a movie in 1998. So if you grew up in the 90’s chances are you have seen this movie or read the book.
I always loved this movie growing up, and so each summer I make sure to plant rosemary by my garden gate. I know I am not alone in this and many other fans of Practical Magic do the same.
It stems from my favorite quote that the character Sally Owens states:
There is one thing I know for certain, always throw spilled salt over your left shoulder, keep rosemary by your garden gate, plant lavender for luck, and fall in love whenever you can
Practical Magic
In researching this article I have since learned that there are other books in this series by Alice Hoffman. I may just need to add these to my book collection.
What is the Symbolic Meaning of Rosemary
There really is so much symbolism attached to rosemary. It is said to bring good fortune and ward of evil spirits, cleanse and purify, it symbolizes love and remembrance, adds to psychic intuition and protection.
In Feng Shui it has been used to protect against bad energy.
In ancient times, the Greeks used it for remembrance and would wear it while they were doing exams. I was reading a book called “The Book of Herbs” that was published in 1903. I love old books, and seeing what the past can teach us. Anyway, I digress. In this book it said that “plants have power to produce certain dispositions in the mind”. I really like this, and I think it is so true. Not just because of what they symbolise but because of their aroma. Science will tell you that scent is one of our biggest links to our brain to evoke feeling, emotion, and memory. So this really all aligns with what the Greeks were thinking.
I also found references to the Virgin Mary and rosemary. It was said that she placed her blue cloak over a rosemary bush as she headed for Egypt. By doing this it caused the white flowers to turn blue. In the bible it is also mentioned as an herb for fidelity and remembrance which is why it was used so much at weddings and funerals.
I kept finding a common theme in the symbolic meaning of rosemary which includes remembrance and protection or good luck.
In a way the protection part is true in the garden as it can help to ward off pests. If you plant rosemary by your garden gate it will be there acting as a symbolic and somewhat practical guard for your garden.
In terms of remembrance, maybe because you planted it where it is visible by your garden gate it will help you to remember to water your garden? Hmmm, Hmm – not a bad idea is it?
The Benefits of Growing Rosemary in Your Garden
There are three main benefits of growing rosemary in your garden. Not to mention that it is just an overall good companion plant.
It will happily grow alongside all your other flowers, veggies, and fresh herbs. And it is a very low-maintenance plant. Just put it in a place that has well-drained soil that is full of organic matter. Provide 6-8 hours of direct sunlight, and enjoy this attractive plant with its fragrant leaves all growing season.
One of the biggest reasons is that it protects your garden by warding off pests. Rosemary’s aroma is very strong so it can easily become the dominant scent in the garden. Bugs are quite amazing and can actually sniff out the different plants that they like to target. By planting rosemary this will throw them off their scent trail. Another thing is that pests don’t often like the smell of rosemary, so it will discourage them in that way as well. I don’t just plant it in my herb garden, but I also dot it around my veggies to help with pests.
Secondly, if you have a rosemary plant that flowers… the bees and pollinators will absolutely love it. Who doesn’t like helping out the bees and butterflies so they can help to pollinate your veggies and other plants. Win, win.
Finally, and I can’t leave this one out. It is a great plant to use in your kitchen. It has been used in kitchens for many, many years. In the past it was a very popular ingredient in salted meats. Today it is used a lot in poultry stuffing, and pairs well with lamb and pork. A little will go a long way so use it sparingly.
Practical Reasons to Plant Rosemary by your Garden Gate
The first practical reason I think you should plant rosemary by your garden gate is that it is a beautiful plant and makes a great statement piece. You can either shape it into a topiary, or use it more like a nice evergreen border. One book I read recently said that “rosemary has always been of more importance than any other herb” (The Book of Herbs, 1903 pg 128-129). For this reason, it makes sense that you would want it at the forefront of your garden.
Another practical reason to plant rosemary by your garden gate is that it will be more accessible to you. You can run out and harvest rosemary sprigs as you need them without walking through the entire garden.
I also found that it was recommended to plant rosemary in a place that you might brush up against it often which would release its lovely scent. This again would make sense to have it by your garden gate as you may brush up against it each time you enter and exit the garden.
So my conclusion is that you don’t really need to plant rosemary by your garden gate, but you should plant it in your garden. I will still continue to plant it by my garden gate for the added lore and magic associated with it.
Comment below and let us know if you plant rosemary by your garden gate, and if so what is your reasoning?
Leave a Reply