Book Review by Jenny Milledge: Suburban Gardens by Twigs Way
/Twigs Way explores, in her inimitable and entertaining way, the rise and fall of the suburban garden in the 20th century and shines a light on this hitherto neglected element of garden history. With a twinkle in her eye, Twigs has captured the atmosphere of the 1920s and 30s when many city workers aspired to a house with its own plot of land in the burgeoning suburbs.
Suburban Gardens is a slim volume but every page is full of fascinating details interspersed with nuggets of “Did you know?” facts. As well as exploring the origins of suburban gardens, we are transported to a world where gardening became a popular leisure pursuit which stimulated a huge rise in products to fulfil every gardening need. The variety of illustrations which are on every page provide the perfect evocation of this world, where aspiring gardeners were encouraged to transform their modest plot into a garden of delight. For those who were perplexed by their new acquisition there was a bountiful supply of advice in the form of books and journals. There is a chapter covering the impact of the second world war, where garden-owners as well as allotment-holders were encouraged to Dig for Victory.
Although these suburban idylls became the butt of jokes and in the post war period saw a further decline as people paved over their front gardens to provide space for a car, I think these privet-hedged enclosures are still held dear in public consciousness. A final chapter brings us up to the 21st century and looks at how outdoor space became the subject of “quick-fix” gardening shows such as Alan Titchmarsh’s Ground Force. For those who would like to explore the subject further, the Places to Visit and Further Reading sections are a welcome inclusion.
Twigs Way
It would be interesting in this year of Covid 19 and lockdowns to see how many suburban gardens are enjoying a renaissance as the value of nature and outside space has become appreciated by so many.
I would recommend this beautiful little book not only to those who wish to explore the subject of suburban gardens but to anyone who enjoys a trip down “memory lane”. In its pages, I am transported to my childhood where, through my bedroom window, the rumble of the lawn mower combines with the aroma of mown grass and oil as I lie un-sleeping on a summer evening.
Book details: 64pp. Amberley Publishing. ISBN 978-1-4456-8326-3 RRP £8.99
Some words from the author of December’s guest writer, Jenny Milledge:
I have always enjoyed all things connected with the natural world and gardening. As a child I had my own plot of garden and have nurtured a garden wherever I have lived since my marriage. I have been a member of the RHS for many years and in the 1990s I attended many sessions held by the RHS at Writtle College to develop my knowledge. I then studied for the RHS General at Writtle which was taught by Christine Walkden. This was followed by a garden design course at Capel Manor. It was a WEA course at Cambridge Botanic Gardens, led by Twigs that introduced me to Garden History. I went on to study for the Diploma in Garden History at Capel Manor (run by Birkbeck College, University of London). I then had a few years actually teaching the 18th century for this diploma and then decided that I would benefit from studying for the Masters in Garden History - again run by Birkbeck College. I am particularly interested in the 17th and first half of the 18th century and the subject for my dissertation was the work of Charles Bridgeman at Sacombe Park in Hertfordshire. I have continued to carry out research for the Hertfordshire Gardens Trust, as well as research for my own interest, but find that the arrival of grandchildren and the demands of my own garden often succeed in winning my attention.
At the start of lockdown this year Peter, my husband and I, found great pleasure in working in our garden. As holidays were no longer an option we spent the glorious Spring and early summer growing fruit, vegetables and lavishing care on the garden, swapping seeds, plants and advice with neighbours. Coffee breaks and many lunches were taken beneath the azure blue sky and we commented that there is nowhere quite like the UK when the weather is good! As a result of this glorious summer, we have been persuaded to open our garden for the NGS as part of a group of 4 gardens at Sheepcote Green, Clavering. This is both terrifying and exciting in equal measure - I am now busy pruning roses, mulching borders, planting alliums and other early summer bulbs and crossing my fingers that the weather on Sunday 30th May will be kind to us.
Image credits: Cover of Suburban Gardens, Amberley Publishing, 2020; Twigs Way, Amberley Publishing.
