From the inside cover:
The flowers of the Middle Ages had a significance almost incomprehensible to the modern-day gardener. They were as precious as jewels, and formed part of every courtly ritual and every village romance. They were painted and praised, they predicted the future and healed past wounds, and they were revered as a token of God's generosity and goodwill in trying times. 
Medieval Flowers celebrates those species that grew in medieval times and still grow today. From peony to poppy, Solomon's seal and colombine to lily and iris, Clay Perry has captured their charm and simplicity, their vibrant colour and subtle detail in a series of exquisite photographs worthy of a place in any contemporary book of hours. His studio portraits and photographs of wild flower meadows, bowers and formal gardens are accompanied throughout by elaborate manuscript illustrations and tapestries. 
In a tour through the seasons, Miranda Innes explores the perennial rituals and giddy festivals in which flowers played a vital part, and illumines the medicinal, cosmetic and herbal uses of each plant. She examines the designs of medieval physic and kitchen, pleasure and walled gardens and introduces us to a number of gardens which can be visited today. The book is completed with an extensive illustrated directory containing cultivation details for the individual flowers.
An invitation to delightful indulgence and an exploration of the past, this book will inspire readers and encourage them to recreate the romance and simple beauty of medieval gardens.

Contents:
page 7 Foreword
9 Introduction
16 Spring
50 Early Summer
72 High Summer
100 Winter
108 Medieval gardens to visit
120 Medieval garden design
128 Medieval plant directory
154 Bibliography
155 Addresses of gardens to visit
156 Acknowledgements
157 Photographic acknowledgements
158 Index