The Victorian Gardener

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The number of people who had a garden was on the increase and more leisure time meant that these people were spending greater time in the garden. New inventions such as the lawnmower began to have a tremendous impact on garden design and, with increased horticultural knowledge, gardeners learnt how to control nature as well as working with it. This 1881 map shows that within the walled garden there was a pond with a bridge over the centre. The area marked ‘20’ on the map shows the position of a Cedar of Lebanon tree, photographed by Matthew. The cross-hatched sections indicate glasshouses. ‘Hertfordshire Ordnance Survey, Six-inch to the mile’, surveyed 1881, published 1884 [4] Photograph of a Cedar of Lebanon in the garden at Stagenhoe Park taken from the upper windows of the house, c. 1846-1869

Wilder and more natural gardens increased in popularity towards the end of the 1800s in a reaction against industrialization. Wilkinson is estimated to have laid out more than 75 public gardens with the MPGA. She was also an activist and political campaigner and advocated for the professionalisation of women's work, once saying: "I certainly do not let myself be underpaid [...] I know my profession and charge accordingly, as all women should do." The plant was first grown in Europe in the 18th century and Swedish botanist Carl Linnaeus named it “magnolia” in 1737. Experiments to create hybrid plants had begun in the 1830s. Many took place at the laboratory garden at Down House, in Kent, where the legendary naturalist, biologist and geologist Charles Darwin learned how to adapt orchids for fertilisation.The Victorians loved their gardens and many of the flowers, shrubs and trees that are common today were actually discovered during the Victorian era. Owners loved nothing more than illustrating their wealth or how well-travelled they were than by filling the gardens of their Victorian homes with colourful species garnered from all corners of the globe. The history of Victorian garden design One import from the Victorian era not looked upon so fondly is Fallopia japonica, better known as Japanese knotweed. Any list of noted historical horticulturalists has to begin with Lancelot 'Capability' Brown. The 18th century designer is credited with masterminding more than 250 landscapes, coming to characterise the English country estate. Brown worked on 'place-making' for countless clients, including at Wrest Park in Bedfordshire and Audley End House in Essex. By the 1760s, Brown had come to be known as 'Capability', as he often spoke of the 'capabilities' of a prospective property. Those capabilities remain apparent to visitors today. A Victorian garden looks like a space that showcases 'new' plants introduced in the Victorian era, explains Rosie Fyles. There was a return to a more formal garden style with garden beds and parterres filled with colorful and exotic species of plants.

Although built from high-quality timber rather than iron, contemporary greenhouses such as the Forest Vale Victorian range reflect this styling with high ridges and long panes of toughened glass. There's also the Victorian wall greenhousea lovely sun-filled structure for planting and potting. Wrought Iron Features The magnolia was named after the 17th-century French botanist Pierre Magnol, who invented the concept of plant families, based on their morphological characters. He recognised the evergreen American species, which became known as Magnolia Virginiana. Try scented pelargoniums if you have some over-wintering space indoors. They work well outside through mid-spring to early fall,' she adds.

There was a special attraction for the rare plants. There were some popular gardeners who belonged to the Victorian period. These gardeners follow the natural style of growing the gardens. This style is followed even today.