Immerse yourself in garden history with our brand-new introductory course, led by historian and Gardens Trust trustee Francesca Murray.
In Part Two of the course we explore gardens from the Victorian era up to the 20th Century, with the help of the RHS Lindley Library collections.
In Session 2 we explore Edwardian Gardens and the impact of World War One on gardening.
“Although unable to fight for our King and country on the battlefield, we endeavoured to maintain the British ideal of patriotism, patience, courage and usefulness through four years.” - Inscription on the Union Flag presented to King George V at the Ruhleben Exhibition 1919.
Hold the arts and crafts trowel a moment as we dip into the Edwardian craze for all things Japanese in the garden. Discover how the gardening public’s passion for oriental trends and consumable garden ornaments peaked with the Japan British Exhibition in 1910.
Following this, we'll explore some rich wartime histories about the romance of the WWI regimental rose, the extraordinary horticultural society at the Ruhleben internment camp, and then learn how ‘Dig for Victory’ and the impressive expansion of the allotment scheme proved the value of horticulture in the war effort.
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Course Leader
Francesca Murray - Francesca studied horticulture and garden design at Berkshire Agriculture College before running her own garden design business. Francesca has an MA in Garden History and is currently in her fourth year of a PhD at Queen Mary’s University of London, researching nineteenth-century gardeners and nurserymen. She is a trustee of the Gardens Trust and speaker for Perennial.
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Event Details
Tickets for this event are required, with the ticket cost supporting the RHS Lindley Library. Tickets are £40 for all three sessions in Part 1, or £15 for a single session. RHS membership not required.
The RHS Lindley Library opens at 10am, with the session beginning at 11am. This session will take place between the Library and the Council Chamber.
Please note that due to the nature of the Edwardian building, it is necessary for participants of the event to be able to independently manage stairs.
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Ticket Information
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