AN interesting talk on the History of Gardening, accompanied by excellent slides, was given by Mr David Usher, to a well attended meeting of Taunton and District Gardeners Association.
He took for the framework of his treatise, the old adage Something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue'.
Starting with the old, the speaker stated that gardens are rooted in antiquity, both the Romans and Greeks had gardens and when the Romans invaded Britain first they conquered, then settled and were present for some 400 years. In that time they created gardens and introduced plants from Italy which flourished alongside the native flora.
(New borroed) as time passed and the Romans left, early Medieval Britain's gardens were purely practical, what they grew they ate. Time again passed and gardens gradually became secluded, pleasant places in which to dally. Then as people began to travel abroad they added features they had seen to their gardens. Patios (Latin for path), topiary, arbours, and water features were all incorporated into gardens, which were becoming more ornate.
Moving to Victorian times, plants from Europe, the Orient, South Africa and Australia were introduced. Even more modern times saw innovations such as decking and various coloured fencing. One "upmanship" of course playing a part in all this. Despite all these changes, old prints showed that the basic tools used over the ages have changed little.
To end his talk on a "blue note" Mr Usher showed a slide of a very striking scene, the centrepiece of which was a lake of bright blue water. A very interesting and informative talk, for which Mr T. Cawley gave the vote of thanks.
Competition results: Luckett A (arrangement in holly) - 1 Mrs Blackmore. Caldicott (three apples or pears) - 1 Mr J. Davis, 2 Mrs C. Law, 3 Mrs E. Gould. Open competition (foliage plant) - 1 Mr J. Davis, 2 Mr B. Bale, 3 Mrs I. Davis.
The next meeting is on December 10, which will be a Christmas social, entertainment will be by Ray Budd a singer on the Black and White Minstrels TV show, the meeting will be held at Taunton Catholic Centre, St George's, The Mount Taunton.
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