History of Devon Gardens - Dr Todd Gray
Dr Todd Gray was welcomed back, his talk this time was on the Art of Devon Gardens. 20 years ago in collaboration with with the Devon Garden Trust he produced his book " A Garden History of Devon". He decided to follow this up with a book on the Art of Devon Gardens, however that took much longer than anticipated - 20 years!
He explained that the Art of the Garden starts in the 1500s as in all of his research he had found only paintings and references to flowers before then. Surprisingly America was a good source of pictures of Devon gardens.
The descriptions and prints of the early East Devon Gardens had us all wishing we could see them for ourselves but sadly many of the great houses and gardens have completely disappeared. Those where the houses still exist, such as Knighthayes and Shute Barton, have had the gardens completely remodeled. At Forde Abbey the original straight canal is still in there but the style of planting is very different.
He explained that the Art of the Garden starts in the 1500s as in all of his research he had found only paintings and references to flowers before then. Surprisingly America was a good source of pictures of Devon gardens.
The descriptions and prints of the early East Devon Gardens had us all wishing we could see them for ourselves but sadly many of the great houses and gardens have completely disappeared. Those where the houses still exist, such as Knighthayes and Shute Barton, have had the gardens completely remodeled. At Forde Abbey the original straight canal is still in there but the style of planting is very different.
Commemorative Bench
Before the meeting started we all met in The Byes where Dr Todd Gray officially cut the ribbon on the bench that we have had installed to celebrate the WI Centenary. After the cutting of the ribbon 4 of our oldest members - Babs, Margaret, Joan and Eileen were the first official users.
Centenary |
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We have had a busy week with all of the Centenary celebrations. Margaret Newman gave us her account of the National AGM which many of us had watched at Kennaway House. Brenda recounted her experience attending the Buckingham Palace Garden Party, which was also attended by Sue Cox and Jennifer Dixon.
The cream tea held at St Peter's was a sell out with over 100 teas served. Everyone was able to appreciate the pom-pom decorated tree that had been masterminded by Grace Essex.
Each member received a commemorative pen at the meeting.
It is hoped our Cookery Book will be available at the coffee morning on Tuesday 16th, which signals the end of our centenary celebrations.
You can see lots of photos of our centenary activities on our new Facebook page. Just follow this link.
The cream tea held at St Peter's was a sell out with over 100 teas served. Everyone was able to appreciate the pom-pom decorated tree that had been masterminded by Grace Essex.
Each member received a commemorative pen at the meeting.
It is hoped our Cookery Book will be available at the coffee morning on Tuesday 16th, which signals the end of our centenary celebrations.
You can see lots of photos of our centenary activities on our new Facebook page. Just follow this link.
Business
Members were reminded to book up for the Mystery Trip on 22nd July.
Instead of a raffle we held a Denman Dip and Jennifer Dixon was the lucky winner of a trip to Denman on the course of her choice.
Competition - A Small China Animal
Instead of a raffle we held a Denman Dip and Jennifer Dixon was the lucky winner of a trip to Denman on the course of her choice.
Competition - A Small China Animal
1st Sheila Graham
2nd Caroline Stanley
3rd Sheila Baker