Monthly Archives: March 2015

Rochfords: the start of a dynasty.

Posted on 28/03/2015 by The Gardens Trust

In 1840  Michael Rochford, a 21 year old Irishman man,  left County Clare, and came to London. He found work with fellow countryman James Knight at his Exotic Nursery in Kings Road, Chelsea, before going on to  start his own nursery,  and … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Menageries 4: Knowsley and the mad botanicals

Posted on 21/03/2015 by The Gardens Trust

More on menageries….real and imaginary. The early 19thc saw a shift from menageries as showcases for curiosities to the beginnings of the zoological garden as a base for science. At the same time that the royal menagerie in the Tower was … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Buzzing of the Bees….

Posted on 14/03/2015 by The Gardens Trust

Bees and their homes have always had a special place in our gardens [even if we don’t have coolibah trees or remember Burl Ives!] Most of us would think instantly of their honey, their  pollination of crops, and the sight … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Ivor Abrahams … garden inspired artist

Posted on 07/03/2015 by The Gardens Trust

Ivor Abrahams who died on 6th January was an artist whose work was amazingly diverse – he sculpted, painted, printed and worked in ceramics in both traditional and  more experimental ways. Born in Wigan in 1935 he was taken on a childhood visit to … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , | Leave a comment