Available:*
Library | Item Barcode | Call Number | Material Type | Item Category 1 | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Searching... | 30000003907874 | NA9053.U7 S64 1997 | Open Access Book | Book | Searching... |
On Order
Summary
Summary
Until the First World War, the estate gardens at Heligan were one of the glories of Cornwall. Thereafter, through growing neglect, they slipped gradually to sleep. This is the amazing story of their rediscovery and restoration, or the Victorian vision and ingenuity which first created that subtropical paradise, and of the modern obsession and improvisation which recreated it.
Author Notes
Tim Smit was born in 1954 and educated at Durham University. As well as the Lost Gardens of Heligan, he is the prime mover behind the hugely successful and world famous Eden Project, the major millennium-funded ecological/horticultural venture near St Austell.
Reviews 1
Choice Review
This attractive personal chronicle of the discovery and restoration of the lost gardens of Heligan is a fascinating study of a single garden. Botanical gardens have a distinctive place in Cornwall, England. The warmth of the Gulf Stream, mild winters, intense rainfall, acid soil, and the Victorian plant hunters who gathered plants for them from the farthest reaches of the Empire make Cornwall's gardens world renowned. Heligan, once the estate of the Tremayne family, cultivated many specimens from around the world. In 1991, Smit began restoration of Heligan. With great attention to historic maps and photographs, the 70 years of neglect were corrected. Two distinct restoration philosophies were followed: the productive gardens were restored to working condition and crops were selected that were introduced before 1905, thus making an important contribution to social and horticultural history. The second philosophy was to tame the atmosphere and land to the original gardeners' vision while following the discipline of good horticulture. The book parallels a British television program and includes excellent photographs and maps. Highly recommended. All levels. C. A. Watkins New Mexico State University
