Zone: Inner Walkway (The Kitchen Pharmacy)

Season of Interest: Early Summer (June)

The Doctor’s Notes (Medicinal Use)

Dr. Woodward would have kept a steady supply of rose-based preparations. In the 19th century, this specific rose was prized because its petals retain their scent and medicinal oils even when dried.

• Anti-Inflammatory: Used as a gentle astringent to treat sore throats, mouth ulcers, and inflamed eyes (rose water).

• Digestive Tonic: Rose hips and petals were often made into syrups to treat stomach complaints and as a mild laxative for children.

• Restorative: The scent alone was used in "aromatherapy" of the time to treat nervous headaches and depression.

The Household Assistant (Kitchen Use)

The "Red Rose of Lancaster" was just as important to the Woodward household as it was to the doctor's office.

• Flavoring: The petals were used to make rose water, a primary flavoring for cakes and puddings before vanilla became widely available in America.

• Preserves: Petals were cooked down with sugar to create Rose Petal Jam or "Conserve of Roses," which was eaten both as a treat and a medicine.

• Potpourri: Because the scent of Rosa gallica intensifies as it dries, it was the gold standard for scenting linens and freshening rooms in the 1800s.

Botanist’s Corner

• Form: A shrubby, suckering rose that grows to about 3–4 feet tall. It is much hardier than modern hybrid tea roses.

• Flowers: Produces large, semi-double crimson flowers with prominent yellow stamens. Unlike many modern roses, it blooms only once a year in a magnificent late-spring display.

• History: This is one of the oldest roses in cultivation; it was brought back to Europe from the Middle East during the Crusades and became the symbol of the House of Lancaster.

• Fun Fact: a "Language of Flowers" fact: In the Victorian era, giving someone an Apothecary's Rose meant "Ambassador of Love."