When Shall We Three Meet Again; In Thunder, Lightning Or In Rain?

Houseleeks (sempervivum tectorum) are my new favourite plant. Though perhaps not much to look at they are hardy plants which grow well in dry soil and rough conditions. Perfect for rock gardens or even growing on roofs.

In the medieval period houseleeks were believed to protect a building from lightning. They were grown on the roof for this purpose. There is actual historical evidence for this practice. The Capitulare de Villis, a document issued in the eighth century, decreed how the estates within the Carolingian Empire should be run. Within this it stated that “the gardener should grow houseleeks on his house.”