Shropshire Parks & Gardens Trust

NEWSLETTER No. 18, Winter 2007

Rosa spinosissima by W Keble Martin, Letter from the Chairman ‘The Concise British Flora in Colour’ 1965 A warm welcome to those new members who have joined the Trust this year. I hope you will enjoy the activities and not hesitate to let myself or Mavis know if you would like to play an active role in the running of the Trust. We Contents are particularly looking for members who would like to assist us in publicity or education.

The Pitchford Hall Tree-house I am sure that all those who attended the party at Hodnet in June will agree that it was a Scots Roses Past and Present splendid occasion and thoroughly enjoyable. Thanks to Mr. and Mrs. Heber-Percy over a Cross Houses Community Allotments hundred members and friends enjoyed a memorable evening at their lovely home. I Shrewsbury’s Floral Victory cannot thank them enough for their kindness and hospitality; and thanks are also due to those Green Flag Awards for Parks and who helped plan and manage the event. Green Spaces The visit to the Sabbath Walks at Ironbridge London Open Gardens 2007 was an eye-opener for all who attended, revealing fascinating new features in what had Saving Gardens from Unnecessary seemed a familiar landscape. Our thanks go to Development Kathy Herbert for all her work in organizing the events programme. Gardening as Therapy in South Shropshire I will look forward to welcoming you to the Book Review evening lectures at the Shirehall over the winter, and send my best wishes for the year Forthcoming Events ahead.

John Thompson Chairman

1 The Pitchford Hall Tree-house some of which extend 70 feet from the Bole of the Tree. They are 4 in number When I wrote the article in the Victoria County and spread horizontally to a History on Pitchford Parish in 1961, I traced the considerable distance, upon which history of the Hall’s celebrated tree-house back Branches stands a House which you to 1714. By the early 18th century it was clearly assend by 18 steps, each of which is 8 already of some antiquity because the lime tree inches in height, ‘tis four square and in which it was built was already huge. The each side faces a cardinal point of the house probably started life as an arbour of the Compass – in three of the sides is an kind illustrated on a map of the Dothill Hall open window and the Door in the demesne by Samuel Parsons in 1626 and it is in fourth, ‘tis ornamented in side with origin of much the same date. As Paul Stamper some gothic plaistering with an Apolla has suggested, it was probably associated with in the ceiling and some landscape the fashionable cult of melancholy, well known painting of the adjacent Country round from The Anatomy of Melancholy (1621) the top of the inside; But laying aside written by Robert Burton. Parts of the the descriptive embellishment to your Pitchford Hall collection at the National Library superior ability, I proceed to give the of Wales were and are uncatalogued and plain measure of the parts of the Tree its unsorted and could only be used sparingly for self, as I took it. the VCH entry. Although this is still the case, subsequent research has revealed new material. (Viz.)

This note concerns a letter written by Philip F I Williams, Thomas Ottley’s gardener at The circumference of the Trunk Pitchford, to the Revd. Joseph Plymley of or Bole 24 inches from the Longnor, who later changed his name to Corbet ground is 18 6 and is better known as Archdeacon Corbet. The Branch on the N side at Curiously the letter found its way back to 3 foot from the Bassis of House Pitchford. Dated the 17th August 1783, it which it supports is in described the house and tree as it then was. circumference 8 9 That on the NW at same Sir, distance is in compass 9 4 I’ve at last sent you the measure etc. That on the W at same of the large Lime or Bass tree distance .. do. 7 5 commonly called the Summerhouse That on the S at same distance Tree growing in the Garden of Thomas is do. 12 2 Ottley Esq.- at Pitchford in the county There is another Branch nearly of Salop. SE which has been cut off and has This remarkable tree grows on the several small Branches which is most elevated spot of the whole garden, in Compass 1 4 is consequently more exposed to the violence of boisterous Winds, the force The sum of the Circumference of of which it has stood for many Ages the Branches exceeds the Circum- back. But if singularity can demand ference of the Trunk by eleven foot = attention this Tree claims no small share 132 Inches of it, ‘tis of a very surprizing structure, The Branch on the NW side extends to both in regard to its shape and height, as the amazing distance of 69 feet from the well as its extent, but what is most Bole of the Tree, and that on the S by W remarkably surprizing is the vast side to upwards of 67. Several of the Branches proceeding from its Trunk, Branches rise to the height of near 80

2 feet and cover an Area of Ground of Scots Roses past and present very near 18488 feet square. If any more minute mensuration is Introduction required it shall be taken and sent as The true Scots Roses are cultivars of Rosa desired by spinosissima (syn. R. pimpinellifolia) and some Your most Obedient hybrids of the species that have similar & very Humble Servant character. They are sometimes known as Phil. Williams Pimpinellifolias. However, that term is often (Gardener to Mr. Ottley) used to include hybrids of R. spinosissima in another hand which are not what I regard as typical Scots Pitchford Roses, and is sometimes used, in an even th 27 August 1783 broader sense, to embrace other species within section Pimpinellifoliae (e.g. R. ecae, R. The capriccios over the windows mentioned in foetida, R. hugonis, R. primula, R. sericea and th the description were a feature of 16 century R. xanthina). This article is limited to typical Italian summer houses and in this case may Scots Roses and other hybrids of Rosa only have been a later reworking of an original spinosissima. scheme; they no longer survive. The responsibility for the Gothic plastering has been Scots Roses are sometimes referred to as the object of some speculation but, despite the Scotch Roses (not favoured in Scotland), survival of a vast quantity of tradesmen’s Scottish Roses (ambiguous) or Burnet Roses vouchers in the collection, no account for this because of the resemblance of the leaves to mid-eighteenth century decoration has been those of Burnets (Sanguisorba spp.). The old found. The odds are that when, and if, the name, R. pimpinellifolia, and the name given to collection is ever catalogued more information section Pimpinellifoliae, comes from may emerge. In the meantime, this letter Pimpinella, a previous generic name for remarkably provides the measurements of the Sanguisorbas. lime tree as it was in 1783 when already venerable. Even more remarkable is that the Scots Roses flower profusely in May and June tree and summerhouse still survive. with single or double flowers about 5cm across that are usually sweetly scented. The flower James Lawson colour can be white, cream, yellow, pink, red, purple or mauve, and some cultivars have (Ref. Victoria County History, Vol. VIII, p.119; marbled, striped or veined blooms. Most typical Historic Parks & Gardens of Shropshire, 1996, Scots Roses have small leaves, and stems by Paul Stamper, p. 13) covered with narrow prickles and bristles. They extend by suckers (root-shoots) to form a mound of foliage and flower. Many of them produce attractive black, rounded fruits and some also have good autumn foliage colour in shades of red and orange. They are unfamiliar to those who visit rose gardens at the peak time for other roses and they are rarely displayed at rose shows which are usually held after their normal flowering time.

Rosa spinosissima in the wild Photograph of the Pitchford Tree-house, circa Rosa spinosissima occurs naturally over a large 1920, published as a postcard by Wildings of part of Europe and Asia. In Britain, it is Shrewsbury (Shropshire County Archives) probably most abundant as a coastal plant

3 growing on sand dunes. The typical form that grows wild in the British Isles and the western Robert Brown made these cultivars available to fringes of mainland Europe is low-growing, other nurseries including Robert Austin of prickly, bristly and suckering with small, Austin & McAslan in Glasgow who bred over single, white flowers and small leaves (most 200 new double cultivars by the mid 1820s. An with 7–11 leaflets) that often have an attractive Austin & McAslan list of c.1825 has blue-grey colour. In contrast, some forms of the abbreviated descriptions and provides an species in cultivation have originally come indication of the range of colours that was from inland populations in mainland Europe available. Different shades of 'blush' (pink) and Asia and include less bristly, taller growing were the most common, along with white, forms with larger leaves and flowers. cream, yellow, red and purple. These colours were combined in cultivars with 'marbled', 'striped' and 'tinged' flowers.

Other British nurseries also raised new cultivars and Lee of Hammersmith in London could offer some 300 by 1830. Growers in France and other parts of Europe also raised new ones, but a smaller number than in Britain.

Some wealthy individuals built up large collections of Scots Roses. The Duke of Bedford had created a Rosarium Scoticum at Woburn Abbey with about 260 different Scots Roses by 1830, and the Duke of Buccleuch had a collection of 150 at Dalkeith Palace near Edinburgh. Unfortunately, these collections The single white flowers of Rosa spinosissima have not survived.

Early cultivation history

The first coloured variants of R. spinosissima were found in the wild and described in the 17th century but no double forms were available from nurseries until the early 19th century. Joseph Sabine (1822) described their early history.

In 1793, Robert Brown and his brother transplanted some of the wild Scots Roses from Kinnoull Hill, near Perth, Scotland, into their nursery of Dickson and Brown. One of these bore flowers slightly tinged with red and a seedling raised from that plant bore flowers A semi-double Scots rose with more petals than normal. Through a repeated process of sowing seed and selection Decline of interest from the seedlings, semi-double forms were Scots Roses began to lose popularity by about obtained and they had eight good double 1840. It is generally said that this was due to cultivars to propagate and sell by 1803. the introduction of new repeat-flowering hybrid

4 roses but I believe that the loss of some of the extensively in rose breeding in the 20th century. champions and main breeders of Scots Roses, In Canada, Dr Frank Skinner (an expatriot Scot) such as Robert Austin who died in 1830, and others raised hybrids that could cope with contributed to the decline in interest. the extreme cold of Canadian winters. In Germany, Kordes raised the Frühlings cultivars By 1874, Shirley Hibberd wrote in The and, more recently, the species has been used as Amateurs’ Rose Book that 'the varieties are only a parent in rose breeding in Finland where to be met with in old gardens, as they are all Scots Roses and R. spinosissima derivatives are quite out of fashion'. In 1902, Gertrude Jekyll popular. wrote in Roses for English Gardens that 'those who are interested in this class of Rose should In Britain, various rose writers have tried to inquire in the good old Scotch gardens, where regenerate interest in the old cultivars over the no doubt fine forms still exist that have not years including Edward Bunyard (1936), come into trade'. Graham Stuart Thomas (1962) and Mary McMurtrie (1998). In Finland, the late Aila Although the number of Scots Roses Korhonen (2002) and the Finnish Rose Society commercially available dwindled, some have published well-illustrated booklets on the cultivars persisted as cottage garden plants. In Scots Roses and their relatives in that country. Britain, Scandinavia and elsewhere many people retained a special affection for them and Species involved in the hybrids their suckers made them easy to share with A number of natural hybrids have arisen in the friends. They achieved special significance in wild from crosses between R. spinosissima and some countries. other native rose species in Britain and Europe. Other hybrids probably originated in nurseries In Finland, a double white cultivar is associated or gardens as chance crosses between roses with celebrations of midsummer; in Norway from different parts of the world in flower at and Sweden, a double blush is the the same time. 'Husmoderrose' (Housewife's Rose); and some forms were carried west across 19th century Many of the old cultivars were probably crosses America by settlers, persisting to this day by between the normal British small-leaved deserted homesteads. suckering form of R. spinosissima and the non- native R. pendulina (red flowers) or R. foetida (yellow flowers) or were seedlings of such hybrids. Most 20th century hybrids were man- made crosses involving the taller, larger- flowered form of R. spinosissima from Asia that produced plants that are very different from typical Scots Roses.

Simple hybrids between R. spinosissima and another species may betray their hybrid origin through larger leaves on taller, more upright and less prickly stems, elongated reddish fruits instead of the typical rounded black ones or a scent that is not that of R. spinosissima. While some hybrids resemble one parent, other plants A double Scots rose of the same parentage may resemble the other. Complex hybrids may have R. spinosissima Revivals characteristics diluted to varying extents. Although the old cultivars had gone out of fashion by 1900, R. spinosissima was used

5 Naming problems b) Cultivars and close hybrids of R. The naming of R. spinosissima cultivars and spinosissima that are not typical Scots Roses. hybrids in cultivation is confused and I hope to c) Other hybrids of R. spinosissima. be able to clarify the situation in a book that I am writing on the history, nomenclature and a) Typical Scots Roses cultivation of Scots Roses and their relatives. I These are roses that have small leaves, close to can only touch on some of the issues in this those of the typical British R. spinosissima, article. with suckering stems covered with a mixture of prickles and bristles and normally growing up My research has identified the size of the to about 1m tall (sometimes much less). Some problem in that I have compiled a list of about are cultivars of the species while others are 1,000 cultivar names used in books, nursery probably hybrids, or seedlings of hybrids, in catalogues and other publications from the 17th which R. spinosissima characters predominate century to the present day. Where original but flower colour may have come from the descriptions are also available, they provide a genes of another species such as R. canina, R. basis for checking the naming of those cultivars foetida or R. pendulina. They include Rosa still in cultivation. I have also been able to use spinosissima itself, 'Andrewsii', 'Compactilla', my research to assist with the identification of Double Blush cultivars, Double White Scots Roses and their relatives at the Europa- cultivars, Double Pink cultivars, Single and Rosarium at Sangerhausen in Germany, at the Double Yellow cultivars, 'Dunwich Rose', Roseraie du Val-de-Marne at l'Haÿ les Roses 'Falkland', Marbled Pink, 'Mary Queen of near Paris, and other gardens. However, it is Scots', 'Single Cherry' and 'William III'. sometimes easier to say that a rose is not what the label says, than to give it a definitive name! b) Forms, cultivars and hybrids of Rosa spinosissima that are not typical Scots Roses Many of the small number of Scots Roses that Rosa spinosissima 'Grandiflora' (taller are currently available in commerce have cultivated variants of R. spinosissima with names that are misleading because they are larger leaves and flowers than those of typical applied to more than one cultivar or they are Scots Roses, and includes 'Altaica'), Rosa incorrect. I suspect that this is because such a spinosissima 'Hispida', x harisonii 'group' small number of Scots Roses have been (hybrids with R. foetida), x hibernica 'group' described in rose books published within the (hybrids with R. canina), x reversa 'group' last hundred years. This tempts nurserymen and (hybrids with R. pendulina) including 'Glory of gardeners to apply one of the few published Edzell', one of the cultivars known as 'Mary names to the plants in their collections. Queen of Scots', 'Mrs Colville', 'Poppius'.

Several of the names applied to Scots Roses c) Other hybrids of Rosa spinosissima described in modern rose publications were not I divide these into: used before the 20th century, or were applied to 1) Species-like hybrids. Mainly simple different cultivars in earlier times. However, the hybrids (R. spinosissima crossed with practice of giving a new name to an old cultivar another species) but which do not have may be better than trying to apply an old name typical Scots Rose characteristics. incorrectly, or using names such as 'Double 2) Complex hybrids. R. spinosissima White' or 'Double Pink' which are applied to crossed with a hybrid rose. numerous different semi-double and double forms. 1) Species-like hybrids include 'Albert Edwards', 'Helen Knight', Louis Riel ('Zublou') Some widely available cultivars and hybrids and 'Ormiston Roy' These may be divided into: a) Typical Scots Roses.

6 2) Complex hybrids include Lochinvar in other parts of the garden, weeds among the ('Ausbuilder'), 'Paula Vapelle', Robbie Burns stems may be suppressed by the use of mulch ('Ausburn'), 'Stanwell Perpetual'; Frühlings or the careful application of dichlobenil cultivars raised by German rose breeder (Casoron G) granules in winter. However, this Wilhelm Kordes such as 'Frühlingsgold'; herbicide should not be used every year Canadian hybrids raised by Frank Skinner, because it also suppresses the suckers by which Percy Wright and others in Canada in the 20th the plants develop and it may damage or kill century such as 'Suzanne'. plants if used at the wrong time or applied too freely. I prefer not to use glyphosate near these roses as they are very sensitive to it if misapplied.

Typical Scots Roses are generally disease-free but 'Stanwell Perpetual' and cultivars of R.x harisonii can suffer from blackspot and may benefit from application of a suitable fungicide.

Propagation The easiest way to propagate Scots Roses is from rooted suckers transplanted or potted up in autumn or winter. However, they can also be propagated from semi-ripe cuttings or hardwood cuttings. In Britain, most commercial growers propagate roses by budding them onto a rootstock but this has a poor success rate with the slender-stemmed Scots Roses.

The black fruits of Rosa spinosissma I prefer roses to be growing on their own roots, so if I obtain budded roses I plant them so that Cultivation the union between cultivar and rootstock is well Scots Roses and their relatives are not below soil level to encourage rooting from the particular about soil and will grow in anything cultivar. If Scots Roses are not grown on their from clay to almost pure sand. However, they own roots, they can look gaunt and unnatural, appreciate some organic matter in the soil when have fewer flowers and may deteriorate over a planted, and applied as a top dressing. few years.

Most like full exposure to the sun and will grow Conclusion more naturally and flower better if not shaded My work with Scots Roses has involved both for more than a small part of the day. academic, library based research into their history, and the study of living collections in They do not require pruning but shoots may be Britain and abroad. The National Council for shortened immediately after flowering. If the Conservation of Plants and Gardens pruning or clipping of typical Scots Roses is awarded my own collection of nearly 300 done at any other time, you may not get any cultivars and hybrids full National Plant flowers the following spring. Unwanted suckers Collection status in 2006. can be severed with a spade and removed. Gradually, I should be able to make Many Scots Roses and related Pimpinellifolias propagating material available to public can be grown in a wild garden without any collections such as the Europa-Rosarium and weeding, pruning or other attention. However, nurseries that wish to play a part in preserving

7 and disseminating them. I also hope that my peripheral or rural sites like that at Cross collection will act as a resource for DNA Houses, and these would all have been provided analysis, perfume studies and other scientific with a vegetable garden to allow the workhouse research that will help to confirm the origin or to be as self-sufficient as possible. Working in parentage of cultivated Scots Roses. the garden was thought to be an improving activity, particularly for children who could not P.D.A. Boyd do the heavy work that the adult inmates were given to do, and one which would teach them a The above is a shortened version of ‘Scots valuable skill which might prevent them from Roses then and now’, in The Plantsman, The being a burden on the parish in adulthood. Royal Horticultural Society, June 2007, pp. 104-111. Up until the 1870s, the garden of the Atcham Union Workhouse, as it became in 1836, had been located at the front of the main building in CROSS HOUSES COMMUNITY beds either side of the main entrance, a common location for workhouse gardens of the ALLOTMENTS: a people’s garden from th the 1870s to the 21st century. end of the 18 century. The tithe map of 1844 shows that on the west side of the main block Until recently, the village of Cross Houses, six there was also a ‘pleasure ground’, or playing miles south-east of Shrewsbury, had one field for the use of the pauper children. notable institution – Cross Houses Hospital, a former workhouse cum hospital whose origins date back to the Atcham House of Industry established there in 1792 - 4. In the hospital’s last working years, administrators of the regional health authority occupied a small portion of the better preserved buildings until finally the property was sold for development in 2003, the fate of many older NHS establishments, particularly those that had been Poor Law institutions.

Because of the historic significance of the buildings at Cross Houses, the planning brief for the development of the site required preservation of the original workhouse, now converted into flats; the original infirmary (a laundry/kitchen block by the 19th century) which has been converted into offices; and the workhouse chapel dating to the 1870s, which is now the community centre for a village that formerly did not have one.

One final component of the workhouse landscape was preserved for the people of Cross Houses, as the result of local demand. In the 1870s, when a chapel was built opposing This is the kitchen garden, also dating to the the main door of the workhouse (see map), the 1870s - a period of expansion of the workhouse th gardens along the main workhouse frontage site and buildings. In the later 18 and through became more formal. Lord Berwick allowed the the 19th century most workhouses were built on

8 workhouse guardians to expand into land all the hospitals in the Shrewsbury area. A large formerly part of his Attingham estate to create a number of cooking apple trees on the new vegetable garden in a field to the rear of allotments date to this period and indicate the the yard behind the main workhouse block. frequent appearance of traditional puddings This plot lies alongside the Cross Houses to such as apple crumbles on the hospital menus. Atcham road, and a brick wall was then There was also a separate orchard along the constructed between the road and the garden to eastern boundary of the workhouse grounds prevent workhouse inmates labouring in the which had a wider range of apple types. Sadly kitchen garden from fraternising with local this was lost in the recent redevelopment of the people using the road, and probably also to site. A glasshouse is also known to have been discourage absconding. on the kitchen garden plot in the mid-20th century. The 1882 O.S. map shows the 1870s kitchen garden (plot 246 - originally just over ½ ha and In the late 1980s the health authority no longer now just under) as laid out in square and wished to employ gardeners at Cross Houses rectangular beds. The paths were made initially and decided to divide the garden into allotments of rammed crushed brick, derived from the for the use of members of the employee’s social large-scale building work of the early 1870s, club. It had, however, become clear to the and were subsequently repaired with clinker health authority that the historic buildings were and cinders, a by-product of the boiler house not suitable for continued use as a modern and on-site blacksmith, and this sequence is hospital. Knowing that they would sell the site, occasionally seen in digging on the allotments. no maintenance went into the allotments after By comparing records of what was purchased their initial creation. The number of plot- for the kitchen to records of the meals provided, holders dwindled and much of the garden it looks as though the main crop was potatoes, became overgrown. Fortunately, when the though some other root crops were grown in health authority’s plans to sell the site became much smaller quantities. Many of the products public, there was a still a small core of plot- of the wider landscape of the workhouse holders cultivating their allotments – enough, in (c. 3 ha) were sold to generate income to offset conjunction with a clear desire for plots from the cost to the parish of supporting the paupers: other local people, to argue successfully for the livestock, bran, tallow, hay, and butter. retention of the allotments for the community, which had little in the way of facilities. There is no evidence to suggest that the limited range of produce grown at the workhouse in the Since the allotments were saved from later 19th century changed until c. the 1930s. development, the demand for plots has The workhouse aspect of the establishment was remained high. Until the transfer of ownership wound down in the early years of the 20th from the developers to Berrington Parish century and ceased to operate in 1919, its last Council takes place, the Cross Houses lingering manifestation being cells for vagrants Allotment-holders Group has been providing situated by the main gate off the Bridgnorth administration for the allotments and Road, which saw use until the 1930s. The undertaking clearance and maintenance, as well buildings were a war hospital during WWI, and as raising the profile of this historic garden. For the hospital was then closed for a period of the last two years, the Group has been working years before reopening as Berrington Hospital towards obtaining grant aid to fund a final in 1927 and renamed Cross Houses Hospital in phase of work: principally to have the paths 1948. reinstated in crushed brick, but also to complete the landscaping of the plot and to enhance the During the mid-20th century the health authority allotments with a communal shed, public employed gardeners to work the kitchen benches, and a notice board and interpretation garden, and the produce from it was supplied to panel. We believe that ensuring safe and easy

9 access will encourage maximum use of the GREEN FLAG AWARDS FOR allotments within the local community, making PARKS AND GREEN SPACES it easily sustainable. The judging for the 2007 round of the Green Flag The allotments at Cross Houses have proved to Award Scheme, administered by the Civic Trust, be a highly successful mechanism for bringing marked the tenth anniversary of this successful the various elements - old and new - of this scheme. The original design intention continues: to rapidly expanding village together in a common give public recognition to those parks which meet a purpose: that of growing their own food in this high national standard for the quality of care and handsome and historic garden. user satisfaction in the presentation and management of green spaces. Cameron Moffett This year 680 applications were received, a massive increase on last year, with increasing SHREWSBURY’S FLORAL VICTORY numbers of Green Flags being awarded. Smaller green spaces which are managed by a local At the end of September Shrewsbury learnt that community are eligible for the Green Pennant it had won Gold in the Entente Florale. This Award. Such winners include allotments, nature international horticultural competition was reserves and community gardens. Green Heritage launched in 1977 between France and Britain, Site Accreditation is a complementary award for but now attracts entries from more than a dozen parks of national or local historic interest. There is European countries. It has been described as a two stage judging process, by a two person team the horticultural equivalent of the European of trained volunteers: firstly a preliminary desk Championships for Premiership Football clubs! assessment of the Conservation Management plan for the park; secondly a site visit to score on a wide As well as looking for civic horticultural range of criteria. Issues of health and safety, excellence, the competition also encompasses inclusion and sustainability are criteria of equal or tourism, community involvement, recycling, greater weight than horticultural standards alone. waste management, cleanliness and environmental issues. Thus schools, old A high proportion of award winning parks are people’s homes and allotmenteers contributed found in the northern regions of England, with their to this success alongside the enthusiastic and rich legacy of urban parks created by Victorian dogged work of the Shrewsbury in Bloom philanthropists. It is encouraging that such civic Committee, chaired by Mr. Stan Sedman, and pride continues to be reflected in the recent history the Borough’s team of gardeners. The quality of awards, with authorities such as Bury gaining of the Borough’s planting and maintenance in awards for 11 parks and Liverpool 13 parks. These the Dingle was undoubtedly one of the local authorities believe that good parks are outstanding features for the judges. integral to the quality of urban life.

The Shropshire Parks and Gardens Trust was In the Midlands regions the application rate is invited to contribute by displaying an exhibition lower. This year only one site in Shropshire on its work and the significance of Shropshire’s successfully gained an award: the Severn Valley gardens, which was on show in St. Mary’s Country Park at Alveley, for Bridgnorth District Church in Shrewsbury alongside other heritage Council. Hopefully community engagement may organizations. The Communities in Bloom encourage more applications as the scheme report commented: “Perhaps the quality [of the becomes more widely known. ‘Friends’ or User landscaped areas] is due in part to the influence groups often stimulate greater expectations, a pool of the City’s many garden clubs and societies, of volunteers to help in park development and and the influence of former resident Percy management and a wider range of activities. The Thrower, and his daughter Margaret.” current Parks for People lottery funded restoration

10 projects require, within the contract, that parks organised by the London Parks and Gardens achieve a Green Flag Award, with high scores Trust and sponsored by Loire Valley Wines. It across all criteria, for a minimum of 5 years after was obviously possible to visit only a very project completion. This is to avoid parks falling small selection of the treasures available so we back into another spiral of decline through started at the Museum of Garden History in the insufficient maintenance funding to protect the historic former church of St. Mary-at-Lambeth. publicly funded restoration. Some argue that while This was founded in 1977 to save the building certain parks within a town are improved, others from demolition and to create the world’s first may perhaps suffer in consequence through museum of garden history. The tomb of the reduced funding. Tradescants, father and son whose garden lay nearby in Stockwell, is in the garden (once the churchyard), as is that of Rear Admiral William Bligh, and there is also a memorial to the Sealy family of Coade stone fame (their factory was founded in 1769 nearby on the site of the County Hall). The 17th century style knot garden is a peaceful haven, full of plants traced back to that period.

A short walk led us to Lambeth Palace garden, one of the oldest and largest private gardens in London, laid out originally by the monks of Rochester and which later became the garden of Lambeth House, home of the Archbishop of Canterbury. A well tended formal garden A family event at the Severn Valley Country producing fruit, herbs and flowers has been Park, recent winner of a Green Flag Award maintained for several centuries, and, although it is hard to believe now, up to the 18th century The Green Flag Award has nevertheless been this garden was still on the edge of countryside. successful in raising awareness of the higher Now it is a green oasis in the centre of London, standards now expected by park users. Entering a filled with interesting features and plantings, park for Green Flag judging encourages managers too numerous to list in a short article. and staff to keep it looking good all year round, However, I feel I must mention the fig trees, well-visited and loved by people of all ages. With originally planted in 1556 by Cardinal support from parks managers, local communities Archbishop Pole. These are the “White and volunteer judges, its expansion can continue. Marseilles” variety, white fleshed, fruiting in September and October, and here underplanted Kunigunda Gough with native bulbs, daffodils and snowdrops, also with wood anemones, primroses and wild (Details about the award system are available on orchids. www.greenflagaward.org.uk.) Our next stop was the garden of Westminster Abbey, starting in the College Garden, an acre LONDON OPEN GARDENS 2007 of land, thought to be the oldest garden in England. Once again space forbids me to London seemed in a relaxed mood during the th th expand on all the wonderful features, and it weekend of 9 and 10 June when about 160 would be impossible to convey the sense of private squares, secret gardens and green spaces tranquillity that has survived all changes and is in the capital and also in the suburbs were open not disturbed by the busy life beyond its walls. to the public. This wonderful event was Besides the College Garden there are four

11 smaller gardens: Dean’s Yard, the Great discussed the prioritising of our initial entries. Cloister Garth, the Little Cloister, and St. We hope the initial sample will include Catherine’s Garden, all entrancing in their landscapes from several design periods, individual ways. including some recently created gardens which may become future classics. We are likely to Next to Chelsea and to what remains of Sir conduct further research into those gardens Thomas More’s garden in Cheyne Walk. In which most interest us as individuals. More’s time the garden sloped down to the river and his house is long gone, although it is Any field visits and recording in depth can only thought that some foundations exist under proceed with the specific consent of houses on the corner of Cheyne Walk and landowners, whether or not the gardens are Oakley Street. It is an atmospheric fragment open to the public. We appreciate that where one can imagine Sir Thomas walking confidentiality and security are significant with his friends, who included Erasmus and issues. Owners can release as much or as little Holbein, and also Henry VIII, the ‘friend’ who information as they wish into the public eventually brought him to the block. There is domain, choosing to limit detailed release to still an ancient mulberry tree under which the vetted academic researchers if they wish. great man is supposed to have laughed and played with his grandchildren. And this garden Valuable early help has been provided by both concluded my wonderful and long-to-be- Penny Ward and Paul Stamper, who in separate remembered day. meetings introduced us to the data already collected through an extensive historic Betty Green recording programme carried out by Shropshire County Council during the 1990’s. Paul carried out comprehensive desk and field research, UK Parks and Gardens Data resulting in additional or fuller entries for Partnership Shropshire landscapes within the English Heritage Register of Parks and Gardens of In an earlier Newsletter we outlined the Outstanding National Importance. We hope to background and scope of this ambitious project, add to the UK database certain records of the formally launched in November 2007. The many other Shropshire gardens which he noted central database team in York is now accepting as being of more local importance. The records records of gardens of special interest from all which Penny has made available online, both participating County Gardens Trusts, examples within www.shropshire.gov.uk and also of which can already be seen on www.DiscoverShropshire.org.uk now total www.parksandgardens.ac.uk some 232 entries, so we have plenty of choices for further study. Penny would be interested in Our Shropshire group of volunteers first met in incorporating into Shropshire records any new October, primarily to familiarise ourselves with information or photographic records which we the range of Recording Forms. Although may collect over time. ultimately the national aim is to include all significant UK landscapes, as Data Entry During this winter we will start collating volunteers for Shropshire we have great existing records, and hopefully begin early field flexibility in choosing which gardens to study recording. Given the fluidity of our programme, and record. The landscapes can be from any we would welcome input from members at any historic period; they can vary from ‘lost’ time. Local knowledge, photographs and gardens to intact gardens; or researchers may documents which you would be willing to share wish to concentrate on a favourite designer. The with us would be especially welcome. only requirement is that the gardens must have some special interest. Our Shropshire group Kunigunda Gough

12 Encourage your Local Authority development of residential gardens in suburban to save gardens from unnecessary areas. development It is important to appreciate that there are some situations where planned intensification and The redevelopment of large gardens attached to redevelopment, in consultation with local large houses (particularly those from the residents, should be encouraged – as Victorian and Edwardian eras) has been a recommended by Hampshire County Council, regular element in the development of urban Surrey County Council, the Civic Trust et al (In areas, and was especially so in the period from Suburbia) and English Heritage (The Future of 1970-1990. More recently increasing ad-hoc Historic Suburbs). redevelopments have resulted from interpretations of the definition of “brownfield” Astudy of Planning Policy Statement (PPS) land in Planning Policy Guidance (PPG) 3: 3: Housing (effective from April 2007), which Housing (March 2000) and the encouragement replaces PPG3, confirms the verbal information of higher urban housing densities ie 30-50 given in Chichester that, amongst other matters, dwellings per hectare (dpha). local authorities are now encouraged to be more pro-active in deciding, together with the local In July 2006 the Association of Garden Trusts community, what their areas should look like (with others) attended a meeting with Greg and how to achieve this vision (paragraph 14). Clark MP (Tunbridge Wells) who was Key matters to be incorporated include: promoting a Private Members Bill to redefine the definition of “brownfield” land as it applies A spatial vision and strategy for housing development in their area (paragraph to residential properties. A good case was 46); made for such a redefinition, yet two examples were provided of how local authorities could An examination of the current and already use existing legislation to restrict future level and capacity of overdevelopment: infrastructure, services and facilities including, in particular, green and open using Conservation Area status in space (paragraph 46); Guildford (encouraged by the Guildford Enhancement of the natural and historic Civic Society) environment, the quality of and obtaining an agreement to restrict character of existing communities further “brownfield” development in the (PPS1 Delivering Sustainable Midlands because it could be shown that Communities (Feb 2005); the current housing needs were being Development plans and development met. control policies must consider the character of the area, including the At the EiP (Examination in Public) of the South availability of private and public open East Plan in Chichester in January 2007, the space and landscaping (paragraph 46); problems of the loss of large domestic gardens A range of housing densities considered in suburban areas was raised particularly in most appropriate for their area relation to the Plan’s policies for suburban re- (paragraph 47); vitalisation and intensification (Draft Policies Densities below the preferred minimum BE2 & BE3). It was confirmed by officers of of 30 dph (dwellings per hectare) may both the Regional Assembly and the be included if justified (paragraph 47); Government Office for the South East that the Intensification of development is not new Planning Policy Statement for housing always appropriate (paragraph 49); (PPS3) encouraged local authorities to be pro- Where intensification of an area is active and determine the character of their own proposed, good detailed design and urban areas. Therefore they could restrict the layout is very important ( paragraph 49);

13 It must not be presumed by either the discretion to protect local neighbourhoods”. local authority or the private developer Let us now make sure that they use these that all land that was previously- new powers to do just that. developed is necessarily suitable for housing development nor that the Tony Hurrell, MCD., B.Arch., MRTPI , whole of the curtilage should be Chairman, Conservation Committee, developed (Annex B – description of Hampshire Gardens Trust “previously developed land”).

Conclusions GARDENING AS THERAPY IN SOUTH SHROPSHIRE Clearly the onus for determining the local character and local urban structure lies, as Green Onions is a mental health carers’ support always, with locally elected councillors and group – with a difference. Based in south their officers and NOT with Central Shropshire, Green Onions offers carers the Government. Whilst such an onus existed in opportunity to develop skills, share their PPG3, it is emphasised in PPS3 through the expertise, and feel valued through gardening. constant theme that Local Planning Authorities Members of the group have been the driving (LPAs) should, with the community, decide and force behind plans to set up a therapeutic plan for what they wish to occur within their gardening project as a social enterprise in administrative areas. Ludlow’s Ecopark, with support from the South Shropshire Voluntary Action team and the In the past, lacking any alternative proposals by Community Council. The project will give the LPA, Planning Inspectors have had to rely carers the opportunity to enjoy short breaks on the basic national guidance. When the LPAs from their caring role and will also involve have their own approved policies and density socially disadvantaged people from the town. proposals, the Inspectors must follow those. Green Onions has forged links with local After some 12 months it will be interesting to organizations such as Ludlow 21 – a group see how the new system is working. Similarly, involved in food, farming and green issues, as it is a new piece of legislation we should Ludlow in Bloom, and South Shropshire monitor if and how our LPAs are implementing District Council. the recommendations. The project was praised by gardening guru Armed with this information and encouraged by Monty Don, who is a strong advocate of the Government’s (DCLG) policies for the gardening as therapy, when he learnt about the involvement of local voluntary organisations project at last year’s Ludlow Food Festival. with local authorities, both the Association of Monty is the instigator of a scheme in Garden Trusts and all the County Gardens neighbouring Herefordshire to get drug addicts Trusts should be directing pressure on their gardening in a bid to stop them offending. District and Unitary Authorities to implement the requirements of PPS3. In particular CGTs The first steps are being taken at the moment to should, most importantly, be involved in and flatten the land, as it has a slight mound, before contribute to the development of local core getting down to preparing the plot and then strategies, area action plans, Supplementary planting. So far, carers who have given their Planning Documents and, especially, in the time to this innovative project have really setting–up of suburban Neighbourhood enjoyed setting it up, and are looking forward Management Groups. The application of the to a blooming future. recommendations in PPS3 will “give stronger protection to gardens in planning law, and Cheryl Summers allow elected local councillors to have greater Community Council of Shropshire.

14 BOOK REVIEW management of catchments or of fishstocks, two of the most significant factors for water The Management and Maintenance of Historic quality. General managers, or students, need to Parks, Gardens and Landscapes be aware of these issues. The English Heritage Handbook. Ed. J Watkins and T Wright The nature conservation section has been Frances Lincoln 368pp £35 generally endorsed by an informed colleague although he did not agree with some of the This book describes itself as a reference manual species/habitat descriptions (e.g. green winged for all professionals, land agents, designers, orchid described on p107 as 'common to managers, gardeners, students and owners with alkaline grassland' whereas it is much more an interest in historic parks and gardens. There typical of neutral grassland) which he felt a are fifteen contributing authors (including your rigorous editor might have corrected. chairman) although oddly we are not told who contributed what. There are other general examples of under There are three main sections: editing: in the chapter on the Conservation 1) Understanding and planning the historic Management Plan although several earlier lists landscape and garden, which covers the of conservation principles are set out or principles of conservation, and economic described, the new, and presumably key, set of and legal management issues. general principles drafted by English Heritage 2) The living garden landscape, covering in February 2006 is referred to but nowhere laid practical management and nature out; the position of factual inset boxes seems conservation. rather arbitrary in relation to the text to which 3) Ten Case Studies ranging from Chatsworth they refer; European Larch is described (p129) in Derbyshire to Stonehenge in Wiltshire – as a native of Britain. every interest catered for! The appendices include some fifty pages of There are over 400 colour photos, many of miscellaneous plant and management tables them very helpful in illustrating a point or which look pretty useful. The bibliography is concept, although a fair few of the larger ones not always up to date: it includes Rackham's are essentially pretty pictures, the space for Trees Woods & Man of 1976 but not his recent which might have been better used or the book book Woodlands (2006) distilling 50 years reduced in size. experience in the field.

How does it live up to its title? There is All in all the book will be useful as an undoubtedly a great deal of useful information introduction to many students, managers and although, as is inevitable in a book of its size others provided they are strong enough to lift it and range, most topics are covered somewhat – at around 3kg it weighs in with the old RHS superficially, albeit with regular reminders of Plant and Flowers Encyclopaedia which has the need to seek further information and nearly twice as many pages. However the pointers as to where to look. Even in a book amalgam of coffee table book and practical aimed at the general manager, as this appears to manual is not entirely successful. It might have be, there are some surprising omissions. been better to publish the 3 parts in separate volumes which could be individually updated Despite its title, the book is far more concerned as necessary. To finish on a parochial note with gardens than parkland; there is no serious Shropshire parks and gardens do not figure. consideration of agricultural activity or the management of grazing regimes in parkland. Hugh Devlin Again in the section on water features there is (Regional Rural Surveyor and Land Use no mention of the importance of the Adviser for the National Trust, Attingham Park)

15 FORTHCOMING EVENTS COMMITTEE President A.E.H. Heber-Percy, LL

Chairman John Thompson SPGT Lecture Programme 2008 The following talks will take place as Secretary Mavis Anderson usual at the Shirehall in Abbey Foregate, Scotsmansfield Shrewsbury, at 7.30 pm. Coffee and Burway Road biscuits are available. Guests are always Church Stretton SY6 6DP welcome. Entrance free to members, 01694 724865 guests £2. Treasurer Dermot Rooney Thursday, 17th January ‘Aberglasney Gardens’ Atalk by Membership Daphne Capps Graham Rankin, curator of this much- Mount Cottage 4 The Mount publicised project in Carmarthenshire. Shrewsbury SY3 8PS Thursday, 21st February 01743 354540 Speaker to be announced Events Organiser Kathryn Herbert Thursday, 20th March Reabrook Lodge 8 Sutton Road AGM at 6.30pm Shrewsbury Followed by refreshments and a talk, SY2 6DD speaker to be announced 01743 236127

Disclaimer Newsletter Editor Belinda Cousens Please note that the opinions expressed in this The Grey House newsletter are those of the contributors, and do Little Ryton not necessarily represent the views of the Trust Dorrington or Editor SY5 7LS Shropshire Parks & Gardens Trust 01743 718237 Charity Reg. No. 1089258 Email: www.shropshiregardens.org.uk [email protected] The Trust is a member of the Association of Garden Trusts

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