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 3 we explore 20th Century Modernism and the influence of the Media on modern gardening. We ask:
- How did plastic and peat take over the gardening world?
- What does it take to know your onions at RHS Chelsea Flower Show?
- Did TV gardening make Britain greener?
Modernist ideals of formality and simplicity come to the fore, as designers and consumers looked forward to new industrialised materials and low maintenance garden management. A visit to the garden centre became a weekend fixture for all the family.
We will explore how horticultural clubs, garden visiting, show gardens, and TV gardening took hold of post war horticultural consumption. Plus, we will relive the weekly dinner dates on the telly with gardening TV icons, Geoffrey Smith, Percy Thrower and Geoff Hamilton.
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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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