The Victorian Gardener

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Providing homes for countless insects, frogs and other wildlife, stumperies are easy to create and can fit into the smallest shady spot within a garden. They look great near a pond. Matthew Balls was born on 23 March 1817 at Gaynes Hall, West Perry, Cambridgeshire, to Henry and Ann Balls, who were both servants. Henry was a gardener, as was Matthew’s grandfather. Matthew married Elizabeth Flint on 30 July 1842 in Godmanchester. They subsequently moved to Hertfordshire, where he was appointed Head Gardener at Stagenhoe Park by the time he was 30, but what happened in between? How did he rise to such an illustrious post, leading a team of up to 20 gardeners? Rising Through the Ranks Dig holes at least three foot deep for the stumps, placing them so that the roots face upwards. You can link them together or keep them separate. Step three: Plant

Walking around the country estates managed by the National Trust and English Heritage these gardens exist is all their glory to be enjoyed in this busy world today to give a moment of peaceful escapism.Trees and shrubs: Victorian garden style often implemented shrubs and trees, both evergreen and deciduous, as specimen plants. However, they were also planted along property lines or in mixed hedges. The series began in the largely derelict walled garden at Chilton Lodge, and followed Dodson and his assistant, Alison, as they recreated the working kitchen garden.

As we can see in Matthew’s plant list, many plants were named after the Head Gardeners, their wives, and possibly their employers or notable figures. For example, Donald Beaton (a ‘star’ Head Gardener in Scotland), Mrs Woodroffe, Lord Raglan, and Mrs Nightingale (possibly Florence). Watercolour bedding design for Stagenhoe Park by Matthew Balls, and photograph of executed scheme, c. 1846-1869 In the Victorian era, from 1837 to 1901, gardening became a pastime that could be enjoyed by the masses. An increase in population led to more middle-class families moving to the suburbs, while new technology made gardening easier, and more diverse plants boosted interest. Gardening became a status symbol of the industrial revolution.

Lawn

According to The National Trust, “Bodnant’s acclaimed gardens owe much to Laura McLaren, Lady Aberconwy, who inherited the house and garden from her father, Henry Ponchin, in 1895. She followed in the footsteps of her mother as a leading Liberal suffragist, but her other passion was horticulture. This species blooms from late January until April or May. When there’s a mild start to the New Year, it flourishes and the flowers bloom early. However, if snow and ice then return and the air is particularly damp, this doesn’t suit the camellia. Gardens are always special and people who have enough space outside their house will surely want to grow beautiful flowers in their garden. Gardens can be of different types and styles. One of the most popular styles of the garden is the Victorian style. Victorian era Waddesdon Manor Garden Her influence can be seen in the ambitious Italianate terraces they planned in the early years of the 20th century. In later life, in recognition of her horticultural achievements, she was awarded the prestigious RHS Victoria Medal of Honour.” One of a handful of pioneering female gardeners who received recognition and acclaim, Bodnant Gardenis well worth the visit. 3. RED CROSS GARDEN, LONDON 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.

These days, lawn care commercials send a clear message: not only should I be focusing all my mental and physical energy on my lawn from the moment the snow starts to melt, but the state of my yard is also the greatest indicator of my status as a man.

References

Flower gardens and beds were a favorite of classic Victorian-era gardeners. Two very different design styles emerged.

Few 12-year-olds would rise through the ranks to Head Gardener, but ambitious gardeners might start advertising their availability for Head Gardener jobs by the time they were 30, as Matthew did. Head Gardener at Stagenhoe Park The rear lawn was especially important. It was treated like a conservatory is today: as an extension of the home. Tea was often served on the rear lawn and it was frequently used for parties, genteel games and entertaining. 2. Plant neat flowerbedsFinely-manicured lawns became a feature of the Victorian garden. For wealthy families with a large lawn, it became an outdoor “parlour”, with traditional garden furniture, such as ornate chairs and a table. The lawn needed constant attention to keep it in tip-top shape. The plant was first grown in Europe in the 18th century and Swedish botanist Carl Linnaeus named it “magnolia” in 1737.