Garden History

The Garden History section researches various aspects of Jersey horticultural history. The section holds details of many leading gardens in the island, recording their history and particulars of significant planting and design.

Anyone interested in Garden History is welcome to join us.

Notre Reve, La Rue de la Haye, St Martin - General View-Owners Douglas & Fay Huelin-winners 2014 RJA&HS Open Garden comp.10 perch and over
Notre Reve, La Rue de la Haye, St Martin. Winners 2014 RJA&HS Open Garden competition.

Contact: gardenhistory@societe.je

The section is also researching plants, plant nurseries and vineyards in Jersey from 1800. Gardeners and old horticultural equipment are of interest; as are plant diseases and chemicals used in the past to gain control. An overview of all island cemeteries is also underway. The section is also helping to locate, record and identify old camellias in the island.

Some of our summer meetings are taken outdoors, viewing e.g. walled kitchen gardens or mazes or restoration of manor gardens. Occasionally we have talks by garden historians about specific areas of interest e.g. old gates,  history of garden design illustrating distinguishing features , and Jersey farm gardens.

The Section encourages the definition of Garden History as used by The Gardens Trust (UK), that is, to advance the understanding of the history of local gardens and the management of designed landscapes, and their link with architecture, art, socio-economic situation,; plant introductions and leading local horticulturists.

Memberships