Morus nigra

The Tradescants were 17th century gardeners who introduced many new plants to England. More than 160 varieties of fruit were listed amongst the inventory of plants grown at the Tradescants nursery in Lambeth, many of which are illustrated in the Orchard. The Garden Museum invited 40 of the world's leading botanical artists to paint watercolours of fruit in response to the Orchard.

Leigh Ann Gale is fascinated by how the fruits of the black mulberry evolve in colour from greenish-white, pink and red to black, by contrast to the white mulberry synonymous with the silk industry. Over 135 sites with Mulberry trees have been documented in London, including several fine examples at Lambeth Palace next door to the Garden Museum.