Cottage Gardens and Gardeners in the East of Scotland, 1750-1914

During a period of economic and social change in Scotland, eighteenth-century cottage gardens were criticized for being weed-infested and disfigured. However, Scottish professional gardeners were highly prized and sought after all over the world. By the eve of the First World War, Scottish cottage gardeners were raising flowers, fruit, and a wide range of vegetables, and celebrating their successes at flower shows. The book delves into the lives of farm servants, labourers, weavers, miners, and other workers living in the countryside to discover what vegetables, fruit, and flowers they grew, how they did it, and how poverty, insecurity, and long working days shaped their gardens. It also tells the stories of the keen gardeners who revelled in their pretty plots, raised prize exhibits for village shows, and found gardening to be a stepping-stone to scientific exploration.

Format: Hardback
Length: 312 pages
Publication date: 30 November 2021
Publisher: Boydell & Brewer Ltd

This groundbreaking study delves into the captivating tale of the emergence of rural workers' gardens during a period of extraordinary economic and social transformation in the most vibrant and prosperous region of Scotland. Often maligned as weed-infested, poorly cultivated, and marred by the dung heap before the cottage door, eighteenth-century cottage gardens were primarily responsible for producing only the most basic food crops. However, a remarkable paradox emerges: Scottish professional gardeners during this era were highly valued and sought after across the globe. By the eve of the First World War, Scottish cottage gardeners had mastered the art of cultivating flowers, fruits, and a diverse array of vegetables, proudly showcasing their achievements at countless flower shows. This book embarks on a profound exploration into the lives of farm servants, laborers, weavers, miners, and other rural workers, seeking to uncover not only the specific vegetables, fruits, and flowers they cultivated, but also the profound impact of poverty, insecurity, and long and arduous working days on their gardens. Furthermore, workers' cottage gardens were expected to align with the desires and expectations of landowners, farmers, and employers, as well as the industrious cottager's image.

Yet, it is important to recognize that not all gardens were characterized by muddy cabbage and potato patches, and not all gardeners were devoid of knowledge or enthusiasm. The book also unveils the stories of passionate gardeners who reveled in their picturesque plots, raised prized exhibits for village shows, and, in a few exceptional cases, discovered gardening as a gateway to scientific exploration.

In conclusion, this pioneering study offers a captivating glimpse into the rich tapestry of rural workers' gardens during a period of immense change and growth in Scotland. It sheds light on the diverse experiences, challenges, and triumphs of these gardeners, highlighting their remarkable contributions to the agricultural and horticultural landscape of the time. Through their gardens, these workers not only provided sustenance for their families but also played a vital role in shaping the cultural and social fabric of their communities.

Weight: 626g
Dimension: 241 x 161 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781783276622