Course: Discovering Victorian Gardens

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The 19th century is a fascinating period in horticultural history where a diverse influences combined with technical innovation to produce a range of eclectic gardening styles. This short course, taking place in the special setting of the RHS Lindley Library, offers the chance to explore the world of Victorian gardening with leading expert Dr Brent Elliott. ----- Over the course of six weeks you will explore the key influences and trends that shaped this period from the reintroduction of formal gardening, through fashions for carpet bedding and rockeries, to the arrival of the hothouse and conservatory. You will examine the impact of new plants, new technologies, and new ideas as wider social change brought about a revolution with the development of municipal parks, cemeteries, allotments and other green spaces for the general public. Featured gardens will range from major country houses such as Chatsworth and Biddulph Grange, to the RHS gardens at Chiswick and Kensington, to suburban villa gardens. In addition to the taught aspect of the course, each session will include the unique opportunity to see at first-hand relevant original material from the fabulous collections of the RHS Lindley Library. Each week you will be able to study rare books, manuscripts and artworks with expert Library staff on-hand to guide you and answer your questions. A reading list will be provided but this is an informal course with no requirement for homework or further study unless desired. ----- Image: The terrace at Trentham Hall gardens published in Adveno E. Brooke's 'The Gardens of England' 1856-7 © RHS Library Collections