Rivers Nursery of Sawbridgeworth, The Art of Practical Pomology (Waugh, E [ed]) Published by Rivers Nursery Site and Orchard Group, 2009
This account of one of the most important
of the Fruit Tree Nurseries of the 19th century is a welcome
addition to our knowledge, not only of Hertfordshire’s orchards but
of the range of activities of such nurseries.
The Rivers Nursery was set up a horticultural business in 1725 in Sawbridgeworth, by John Rivers of Basildon, Berkshire. Unfortunately, details of this period are scarce but this changes with the advent of Thomas III in the 19th century when his writings and correspondence with Charles Darwin shed light on the scientific aspects of being a nurseryman. The advances made by Thomas in response to the vagaries of weather, economic conditions (such as the abolition of Glass Tax) and the suggestions of his friends make for fascinating reading. The advance of the firm in the early 20th century with its links to India and South Africa was interrupted by the World wars and it finally ceased trading after World War II.
The historical chapters based on a wide range of primary sources as well as publications from the period are interspersed with first hand recollections - especially good of wartime Rivers Nursery – and chapters rotting the Rivers family firmly to this locality. The detective story of rebuilding the Rivers Orchard House at Audley End and its restocking with historic varieties hints at the reach that Rivers attained. Further chapters on the identification of such trees as remained on the Sawbridgeworth site and details of the varieties (many called Early Rivers but also including the Conference pear of 1885) developed there add to this treasure chest of a book.
As with any book, there are areas where one would wish for more. A more comprehensive index would help in revisiting items and more consistency in spelling would be welcome. Given that JC Loudon published Arboretum et Fruticetum in 1854 and his Gardener’s Magazine is mentioned in the text (though neither appear in the index), it would be interesting to know what, if any, connection there was between Loudon and Rivers, apart from Rivers submitting articles for the magazine.
This is a book to dip into to and to read from end to end. It is particularly heartening to learn of the rescue of the last remaining part by the group of local volunteers. Old orchards are at last being recognised as the great asset they are, not only for biodiversity but also for deepening our understanding of our local and national gardening, social and economic histories.
Order by sending a cheque to Rivers Nursery Site and Orchard Group for £10 (£12 including postage and packing) to: Rivers Nursery Site and Orchard Group, 21 Vantorts Rd., Sawbridgeworth, Herts., CM21 9AH.
Kate Harwood
Further Books on Nurseries which may be of interest:
Drake, J (2008) Wood and Ingram, A Huntingdonshire Nursery 1742-1950 Cambridgeshire Garden Trusts
Harvey, J (1974) Early Nurserymen Phillimore