a recent issue of Spadework - Cardiganshire Horticultural Society

drive. Wet areas had well grown swamp cypress (Taxodium
distichum) and hydrangeas. On drier land were rhododendrons,
camellias, acers and a cercidiphyllum that was turning pale yellow
and performing its autumn trick of smelling of burnt sugar. There
was a section of cliffs along one side with a path along the top
looking down on the camellias. The gardeners thought we really
should come back in spring to see these areas at their best.
Nevertheless the clear and sunny day showed splashes of autumn
colour and the garden well mown and tended for a well timed visit.
Philip Ellis.
PLANTS & OTHER CURIOSITIES IN ITALIAN
RENAISSANCE & BAROQUE GARDENS
LECTURE by HELENA ATTLEE on 12 OCTOBER
Helena Attlee quoted Edith Wharton’s 1904 concept (that the
Renaissance garden was designed as a peaceful green haven) as a
ubiquitous misconception. They were not universally green and,
furthermore, her nostalgic evocation of what actually went on in
them was far from peaceful. She asked us to imagine the typical
Renaissance garden as a sculpture gallery, laboratory, theatre,
dining-room and museum. Used for banquets, plays, concerts and
games, the gardens were planted and plumbed to amaze, mystify,
impress – and it has to be said, to often comprehensively drench
the unsuspecting visitor.
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