Garden research
Every garden has a story to tell...
our parks are recognised worldwide as an art form.
The AGT assists County Gardens Trusts to hold special research & recording days, lectures and workshops in different parts of the country.
The aim is to help anyone interested in how to go about researching a garden or historic park. You do not have to be an expert...
however, attendance will inform and stimulate. You will learn about aspects of landscape and garden design, surveys and maps, famous designers and architects, and family history.
EH’s National Monuments Record online archive goes live
From now on the public will have online access to more than a million historical photographs and documents relating to England’s historic buildings and archaeological sites, held by the National Monuments Record (NMR), English Heritage’s public archive.
The material – images, plans, drawings, reports and publications covering England’s archaeology, architecture, social and local history – is held on a database at www.englishheritagearchives.org.uk .
Until now, these searches had to be done in person at the NMR’s public search rooms in Swindon. Using a range of search terms, users can discover whether English Heritage holds any items in its archive relevant to the topic they are interested in, mainly photos, but also including maps, plans or reports. Users can even search for a type of building, or for an exact address. Each catalogue item consists of a description and users can place orders online.
Registration is free, but users will be charged for the documents they order (price varies). Alternatively, users can contact Enquiry and Research Service on 01793 414 600 or email nmrinfo@english-heritage.org.uk to place an order or ask for help if they cannot find what they are looking for.
Westonbirt Study Day report
Westonbirt Study Day organised by Gloucestershire Gardens and Landscape Trust and the Association of Gardens Trusts. > See report
The Local Apple Register and The Pear Register
Natural England, The National Trust, South Lakeland Orchard Group and The Northern Fruit Group are spearheading a project to create The Local Apple Register and The Pear Register.
> See more
Article on Sir Cedric Morris by Sarah Cook
From the Essex Gardens Trust Newsletter.
Sir Cedric Morris’s legacy to future generations is not only his influence as an artist. His pictures are highly acclaimed, probably the best known being Iris Seedlings, in the Tate Britain. He was also a plantsman, plant collector and gardener, but, for me, the tall bearded irises he bred are his most fascinating horticultural legacy. > See more
Parks and Gardens UK
Parks & Gardens UK is a database being developed to share information online about the history and design of gardens and parks. It is supported by York University, the Association of Gardens Trusts and county gardens trusts volunteers.
See > www.parksandgardens.ac.uk - a treasure trove of garden knowledge
Parks & Gardens UK latest news from Rachel Stamper, Project Manager. More details
New books
The Hertfordshire Record Society Volume XXVII [for 2011/12]
Humphry Repton’s Red Books for Panshanger & Tewin Water with an Introduction by Twigs Way
> Mr Hamilton's Elysium - The Gardens of Painshill (PDF, 1.65Mb) - Garden historian Michael Symes shares research that underpinned the restoration of this unique and inspirational eighteenth century landscape in a beautifully illustrated publication.
A Veritable Eden by Ann Brooks
Ann completed her Ph.D from Manchester University, the subject of which was The Manchester Botanic Garden, now no longer extant. Her report has now been published by Oxbow Books.
> The Living Landscape (PDF) - Animals in the Parks and Gardens of Essex. Edited by Dr Twigs Way
> Hertfordshire Garden History: A Miscellany. Edited by Anne Rowe
> The Follies of Europe by Caroline Holmes (PDF), with photographs by Nic Barlow. A new illustrated publication.
> With Abundance and Variety (PDF). New research on Yorkshire parks and gardens edited by Susan Kellerman
More publications and information
'Parks and Gardens' -a revised and updated 3rd Edition by David Lambert, Peter Goodchild and Judith Roberts, has been published in association with English Heritage. More details
Rivers Nursery - This account of one of the most important of the Fruit Tree Nurseries of the 19th century.
> Read a review
Useful contacts
The Association of Gardens Trusts Research and Recording Co-ordinator is Joanna Mathews. Email Joanna on secretary@ogt.org.uk
AGT Study Day organiser: Position currently vacant
> Historic Landscapes project - Conservation through Partnership
