Margaret Evans Porter
 

Garden History




Garden History



My fascination with garden history is a direct result of growing up in a gardening family. My mother always collected garden books and so do I. The development of gardens--whether utilitarian (kitchen gardens, orchards, medicinal gardens) or pleasure gardens has been a favourite area of study. Not only have I done research in books and prints, I've visited a number of famous gardens. Two of my novels, Sweet Lavender and The Proposal feature formal gardens. The Seducer contains a great deal of plant lore connected to medical and magical uses.

Here are photographs taken as part of my research.


The elegant formal designs of Hampton Court Palace, created primarily by Queen Mary II, have been restored to their late 17th century glory and are beautiful in all seasons.






The gardens of Sudeley Castle in Gloucestershire are delightful.






When researching The Proposal, I visted so many more gardens. Westbury-on-Severn was fun as well as beautiful!