A gentleman gardener
Hertfordshire Life|February 2020
Created by one of the most influential botanists of the 20th century, E A Bowles’ garden at Myddelton House continues to grow
Philippa Pearson
A gentleman gardener

A plant lover from an early age, the highly respected botanist, artist and author, Edward Augustus Bowles enthusiastically created a plantsman’s garden at his home, Myddelton House, where he grew an extensive collection of his favourite plants. The gardens in Bulls Cross, Enfield, just south of Capel Manor College Gardens and within Lee Valley Regional Park (the house is now the park authority’s HQ), are famous for snowdrops, crocus, spring bulbs and alpine plants. By 1900, aged 35, Bowles had collected more than 150 different crocus species – a particular favourite. He specialised in European mountain plants and bulbs and spent many summers in the Pyrenees gathering material. He wrote botanical books illustrated with his own beautiful watercolours and was highly regarded by the Royal Horticultural Society, serving on plant committees and eventually becoming vice-president.

At Myddelton House he created planting schemes to show off his collections as they might have been seen in their natural habitat, including an alpine meadow, a rock garden, banks of snowdrops, a patch devoted to variegated plants and plants with coloured leaves, and beds devoted to irises.

An important and historic garden, it continues to evolve and develop by the extension of plant collections and addition of new planting. Bowles is never far away when work is planned, head gardner Richard Harmes says.

‘Our approach is to do everything in the spirit of Bowles and before we make new plans for the garden and borders, we take time to do some research into what was planted here before and how we can move this forward. Our first question is: would this be something that Bowles would have done if he was in the garden today?’

この記事は Hertfordshire Life の February 2020 版に掲載されています。

7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。

この記事は Hertfordshire Life の February 2020 版に掲載されています。

7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。

HERTFORDSHIRE LIFEのその他の記事すべて表示
Hertfordshire Life

Explosive history

With bonfire night this month, author Harry Smee recounts the explosive story of his family’s firework company, Brock’s, creators of wonders and war-changing weapons

time-read
6 分  |
November 2020
A Day In The Life Of... A Jewellery Designer
Hertfordshire Life

A Day In The Life Of... A Jewellery Designer

Laurie McGrath, senior designer at Harriet Kelsall bespoke jewellery in Halls Green, gives an insight into her working day

time-read
2 分  |
November 2020
Sniffig out clues in THE ASHES
Hertfordshire Life

Sniffig out clues in THE ASHES

Meet the fire investigation dogs securing convictions against arsonists and murderers who otherwise may go free

time-read
5 分  |
November 2020
The greatest traveller
Hertfordshire Life

The greatest traveller

Exploring ancient civilisations and rising powers, Violet CressyMarcks became the most travelled woman of her age. Fifty years after her death we look at her incredible life

time-read
6 分  |
November 2020
Hertfordshire Life

Return of the Queen of Romance

Twenty years after the death of record-breaking novelist Dame Barbara Cartland, Gillian Thornton talks passions, plots and a new audience with her son at the family home in Essendon

time-read
7 分  |
November 2020
In bed with CELEBS
Hertfordshire Life

In bed with CELEBS

Marking its 70th year, Welham Green soft furnishings company Ashley Wilde has grown from a pile-it-high, sell-it-cheap business into an industry leader with A-list partnerships

time-read
6 分  |
November 2020
Roam with a view
Hertfordshire Life

Roam with a view

We may not have coastline or mountains, but Herts has beautiful views all the same, if you know where to look

time-read
7 分  |
November 2020
Saving Mrs Tiggy-Winkle
Hertfordshire Life

Saving Mrs Tiggy-Winkle

The secret life of a much-loved British mammal and simple steps we can take at home to stop its extinction

time-read
3 分  |
November 2020
Hertfordshire Life

A walk down Surreal Street

Paul Crowley draws on his graphic designer’s eye to capture scenes from the country to the street, all tinged with surreality

time-read
3 分  |
November 2020
5 minutes with
Hertfordshire Life

5 minutes with

Carole Spiers, Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce member and founder of International Stress Awareness Week

time-read
2 分  |
November 2020