Tag Archives: art history

Natural History: “to be alive is to be watchful”

Posted on 22/07/2023 by The Garden History Blog

Whose 2000th birthday should we be celebrating this year? Here’s a clue. He was a workaholic military officer and civil servant for the Emperor Vespasian, and the author of the first book that resembled an encyclopaedia. Usually known as Natural History … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged Ancient Rome, art history, Mediaeval, Roman gardens | 2 Comments

The Golden Oranges and Lemons of the Hesperides

Posted on 17/06/2023 by The Garden History Blog

We saw last week how the story of the Golden Apples from the legendary Garden the Hesperides was adapted by 17thc gardening writers to imply that Hercules didn’t steal apples but golden oranges and lemons instead. That switch from … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged art history, citrus, conservatory, Germany, greek myth, Netherlands, orangery | Leave a comment

The Golden Apples of the Hesperides

Posted on 10/06/2023 by The Garden History Blog

Greek myths are eternally popular, so after a recent post on the story behind aquilegias today I’m turning my attention to another garden-related classical legend , that of the Garden of the Hesperides. The garden belonged to the queen of … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged apples, art history, citrus, greek myth | Leave a comment

Queen Elizabeth and the Flower Markets of Paris

Posted on 27/05/2023 by The Garden History Blog

Although lots of things have been named in honour of Queen Elizabeth you might be surprised to know that one of them is the main flower market in Paris. This occupies a small square and the adjacent riverside on the … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged art history, France, paris, Queen Elizabeth II | Leave a comment

Another Swan Song

Posted on 22/04/2023 by The Garden History Blog

Way back in March 2021 I wrote a piece about swans, which concentrated on their history in parks and gardens in Britain from the mediaeval period through to the 17thc. Then they were probably regarded as high status food as … Continue reading →