The English Bell Cloche

A cloche is a cloche is a cloche…

I have had several people ask me this week, “What exactly is a cloche?”, as they’ve come across one in the shop. So in response to all of these questions I though I would tell you just what the English bell cloche is, where it came from, and why we love them.

Morning Glory

Cloche (sometimes referred to as a bell cloche): A glass covering,originally

bell-shaped, for garden plants

to prevent frost damage and promote early growth.

also . . . Sometimes referred to as handlights

these were quintessential elements in

a Victorian garden – in effect robust

miniature greenhouses designed to protect plants.

There appears to be some disagreement about who first invented the glass cloche or bell jar. One source says it was the Italians the 17th century, another claims it was the French. In either case the purpose was to extend the growing season by protecting plants from early frost or to help young plants develop during colder bleak temperatures. The desire being to hasten their growth towards early maturity.

Cloche in French means “bell”

The Dutch and English expanded the idea with handlights, lantern style, faceted pyramidal covers made from glass panes and frames of cast iron. Though the original glass bell shaped cloche design and function has changed very little in the last few centuries, variations have come into fashion over time. These include carrying knobs on top, venting holes, and tinted colors to reduce heat. But the bell shape has remained traditional.

So, that is “what” they are, and “where” they came from, now a little about “why” we love them.

Well, let’s be honest… look at them. They’re pretty. But aesthetics aside they have more function than just in the garden.

Cloches are a perfect touch for the home. They’re great to cover deserts or cheeses, or they can cover small indoor plants . Use them as decor pieces, or to cover heirlooms that  need to be protected, but too beautiful to put away.

Cloches have a charm to them. In the home or in the garden. You have to admit, there is a romance to the idea of a “garden under glass”. It sounds like something out of Alice in Wonderland or The House At Pooh Corner. You can almost picture Rabbit in the Hundred Acre Woods using a cloche to try to protect some of his precious young carrots.

And, of course, the cheese tray under glass is a familiar image that evokes the sound of accordians playing “Le Vie En Rose” while you sip a glass of Bordeaux in a small French cafe. Those are just a few of the images that the cloche evokes for me.

Well, I hope that solves the mystery for some of you about what a garden cloche/bell jar/handlight/thingamajiggy is.

Tell us how you’ve used your cloches! We’d love to hear more ideas.

Cheers!

English Bell Cloches available at our gift shop.

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