Category Archives: Uncategorized

Down the Garden Path…

Posted on 25/04/2015 by The Garden History Blog

“I fear that this book holds little practical wisdom.” is hardly the kind of comment to make someone pick up a gardening book, is it? “You must not look to it for guidance. It will not tell you how to prune a rose-bush, … Continue reading →

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George Elgood: Enchantment of the highest order

Posted on 18/04/2015 by The Garden History Blog

This post is about George Elgood.  Unless you have pored over old arthouse auction catalogues or spent time looking at watercolours on provincial gallery walls he’s someone you’ve probably never heard of. He might look a typically mildly eccentric Victorian gent but … Continue reading →

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Percy gets the boot…

Posted on 11/04/2015 by The Garden History Blog

Percy Thrower was the country’s best known gardener for the three decades after the early 1950s. Not only did he write books and columns for newspapers and magazines but he also fronted the leading TV programme about gardening.  Unlike its predecessor Gardening … Continue reading →

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Rochfords: the start of a dynasty.

Posted on 28/03/2015 by The Garden History Blog

In 1840  Michael Rochford, a 21 year old Irishman man,  left County Clare, and came to London. He found work with fellow countryman James Knight at his Exotic Nursery in Kings Road, Chelsea, before going on to  start his own nursery,  and … Continue reading →

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Menageries 4: Knowsley … and Edward Lear

Posted on 21/03/2015 by The Garden History Blog

More on menageries….real and imaginary. The early 19thc saw a shift from menageries as showcases for curiosities to the beginnings of the zoological garden as a base for science. At the same time that the royal menagerie in the Tower was … Continue reading →

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