I happen to think that most old buildings look better with a few climbing roses, et al, wending their verdant ways between windows, and around doorways.
The juxtaposition of hard stone/brick and soft foliage has an appeal unto itself.
With this in mind, I have always wondered why England's ancient village churches are not swathed in Roses, Wisteria, or Clematis; surely they could only enhance the beauty of such buildings.
Maybe the killjoy church hierarchy have issued an edict about such things. Perhaps they have declared that the only focus of adornment should be the fragrant vicar, and his highly embroidered 'frocks'!
32 comments:
Interesting. I totally agree with you about old stone and climbers. Old English homes are always ivy covered so why not churches. And churchyards green and groomed but not much colour in them either.
Haha! Perhaps you are right. It's like the bridesmaids never outshining the bride.
I agree that these stone buildings could only look better with a floral adornment, but I've never really thought about it. Don't climbers weaken mortar? I could imagine there would be an edict relating to minimising upkeep. Can't have the parishioners revolting over the constant fundraising. It's enough they're always looking for $$ for roofs, at least in the world of Father Brown et al.
I don't think I've ever seen a churchyard that looks like a flower garden. Shame.
I don't know why they are so plain. Maybe decoration is seen as un-godly or flippant.
I have often wondered why stately English homes with vast lawns, groves of trees and sweeping vistas don't have much in the way of plants at the house itself.
Interesting, I agree I have never seen ivy or climbers on a church here or overseas. I was in Worcester last weekend and went round the cathedral, first time in 40 years. A magnificent building, not hidden by modern skyscrapers, it still looks as it was designed to look. Not one of our more famous cathedrals, unfairly so I think. A cathedral benefits from having an austere outside, a few yews and good grass are all you need.
Not allowed. A sign that the devil may be let in, so is a no no.
In Victorian times there was a need for ruined buildings clad in ivy to bring aesthetic pleasure to the wanderer, (moping owls and all that) but I think the climbers would get a hold on the mortar in these old churches. Some churches have wildflowers in them, violets and primroses should be around soon.
Now that you mention it, I can’t think of any church that has roses or climbers growing on them. Maybe, as Pipistrello said, they worry about the damage they could do. Also, some weddings decorate the archway etc with flowers and a red rose might spoil their wedding colour scheme !!!! .... and then there’s the maintenance that comes with climbers. Maybe there’s some olde church law that says you can’t grow anything !!! XXXX
Some are very plain, and could well do with some foliage.
Yes, I was thinking more of old village churches. The Cathedrals can make a statement by themselves.
Is that 'official', or just an idea?
Both Clematis and Wisteria are free standing. Ivy could wreak havoc. Roses would be OK.
I expect there is a law, otherwise kindly parishioners would have had their way.
I am guessing but perhaps the thought is that christians should focus on prayers of forgiveness and not be distracted by beauty? Sackcloth and ashes and all that.
Sounds more Catholic than Protestant, but you're probably right.
Even modern boxes of buildings look good with lots of greenery and climbers.
I agree. It can make all the difference.
There are often lots of ancient Yew trees in church yards.
Catholic - true.
I believe they keep Witches away.
if women were in charge of churches, they would look much different.
I suspect it's entirely a matter of maintenance. The damage done by ivy and other climbing plants can be very expensive to rectify.
Like Graham (above) I suspect the reason is one of maintenance - the church always seems short of money - I have never understood why considering the buildings/land they own.
Probably because they knew the way those flora climbed was by sinking little hooks into the masonry. Terrible hard to repair.
I thought an Ecclesiastical climber was a Bishop. Boom boom!
Pink gingham curtains?
I wouldn't suggest Ivy, but Roses or Clematis would look good, and do no harm.
Having traded for the Church of England Commissioners when I worked on the London Stock Exchange, I can assure you that their wealth is HUGE.
Mostly they have to be attached to the wall by wires.
"Why is a Bishop like a Monkey?"
"The higher they climb, the more you see their nasty bits!"
Yew is poisonous isnt it? maybe to stop grave robbers?
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