The Herb Garden
In 1967, the Wepawaug Garden Club planned and planted a 17th Century Herb Garden on the south lawn of the Eells Stow House. They cared for it until 1973, when they turned it over to the Society.
A group of Society members formed The Herbcrafters, to care for the garden and to learn about herbs and their uses. They continued to care for the garden until the Fall of 1984, when the addition of the Clark Stockade House and the Bryan Downs House made it necessary to re-landscape the grounds and move the garden.
The present Herb Garden, planted in the Spring of 1985, is in front of the Bryan Downs House. Designed as a late 18th Century Garden, it complements the age of the house. The garden on the south side of the house, started as a wild flower and shade garden, became a garden of everlasting flowers in 1986. Hurricane Gloria blew over the huge maple tree that provided shade, leaving the south side sunny.
A separate flower garden is maintained by the Milford Garden Club in front of the Stockade House.
Colonial herbs & flowers in our gardens
Other months:This month's featured colonial era herbs
colonial era herbs
Several herbs used by Milford colonialists in beauty mixtures are added to products made today.
Globe Amaranth
Many herbs used by the colonialists and native American Indians for flavoring of meals, medicine and the coloring of fabric are grown alongside the homes of The Milford Historic Society.
Comfrey
Native to Asia & Europe, comfrey sooths coughs & back problems. It healed wounds & broken bones which gave it the nick-name of knot-bone. Can be made into wine. Goes well with eggs dishes or in salads. Comfrey helped digestion &chest complaints. When mixed with witch hazel was used in cosmetics as a skin tonic.
Coral Bells
Many herbs used by the colonialists and native American Indians for flavoring of meals, medicine and the coloring of fabric are grown alongside the homes of The Milford Historic Society.
Lady's Mantle
•Dew gathered from the leaves helped to improve the complexion especially sensitive skin. A tea was used to stop internal bleeding & cramping.
Rose Compion
Many herbs used by the colonialists and native American Indians for flavoring of meals, medicine and the coloring of fabric are grown alongside the homes of The Milford Historic Society.
Soap Wort
A soap substitute can be extracted from soapwort leaves or its root, hence its name. This mild soap was ideal for giving a sheen to delicate fabrics such as silk.
Strawflowers
Many herbs used by the colonialists and native American Indians for flavoring of meals, medicine and the coloring of fabric are grown alongside the homes of The Milford Historic Society.
Violet
Sweet smelling violets made for a fresh smelling bath or added to soaps & other cosmetics.
Witch Hazel
Witch hazel mixed with comfrey was used in cosmetics as a skin tonic..