A Peek at the Gardens: Filming at The Met Cloisters

Ella, age 8, and Managing Horticulturalist Caleb Leech report from the Bonnefont Cloister, with Skyla on camera. Photo by Emily Sutter

«Did you know that The Met not only has art, but also gardens? Ella, age 8, interviewed Managing Horticulturalist Caleb Leech at The Met Cloisters last month for the newest #MetKids video shoot. Caleb takes care of the gardens, and Ella asked him lots of questions about the plants that grow there and what a horticulturalist does at the Museum.»

Accompanied by Caleb, Ella holds a plant that was used to make brooms in the Middle Ages. Photo by Skyla Choi

Ella discovered that Caleb grows plants in the Bonnefont Cloister that were used in medieval Europe for many purposes, like taking care of the house, arts and crafts, food, medicine, and even magic. She held a plant called a broom, which was used to make brooms to sweep the floor.

Caleb hands Ella a jug used to water plants. Photo by Skyla Choi

Caleb also showed Ella a jug with holes on the bottom that is used to water plants. In the Middle Ages, people didn't have watering cans that look like what we use today. Instead they used a jug that had a spout on top and holes in the bottom. After the jug is filled with water, a gardener puts her thumb over the spout, which keeps the water inside. When it's time to water the plants, she lifts her thumb and the water drains out of the holes in the bottom. You can try this by sticking a straw into a full glass of water, putting your thumb over the straw, lifting it out of the glass, and then lifting your thumb.

Caleb describes a flower to Ella. Photo by Skyla Choi

Ella learned that Caleb teaches children about the gardens in addition to taking care of the plants at The Met Cloisters. Lots of school and camp groups come to tour the gardens, and you can visit with your family, too! The best time to see the Bonnefont Cloister in full bloom is in the summer.

Coming soon, #MetKids will publish a video about Ella's visit to The Met Cloisters. So, even if you can't visit this summer, soon you'll be able to visit by watching #MetKids videos. Stay tuned!