Gardeners, Plant Collectors, Friends Hobart Town And Beyond

Description

“… a concise, compelling and delightful read.” – Kate Warner, Professor Emerita and former Governor of Tasmania 

The first years of the Hobart Town colony were focused on survival, utilitarianism and self-sufficiency in a foreign, unforgiving landscape. But as gardens became more productive and both the settlers and their plants adapted to life in a distant land, the early gardeners and nurserymen began to develop these outdoor spaces as sources of leisure and delight. 

Gardeners, Plant Collectors, Friends: Hobart Town and Beyond is the product of more than 20 years of careful research. Ann Cripps has profiled and interwoven the stories of over 25 men and women of note who contributed to the horticultural history of Van Diemen’s Land, delving into early books, letters, diaries and other rare manuscripts to bring them to life. 

This unique book, beautifully illustrated throughout, will appeal to all with an interest in the natural and cultivated landscape, gardeners and history lovers alike.

Author description

ANN CRIPPS is a garden lover and historian who has lectured and written for many years on all aspects of Tasmanian garden history. As a consultant she has advised on the restoration of some of colonial Tasmania’s significant gardens. In her research for this book Ann has visited libraries and other institutions in the United Kingdom as well as in Australia, uncovering a fascinating network of gardeners, plant collectors, their families and some of the most important botanical collections in the world.