"Biddulph Grange is one of the most exciting survivals of the great age of Victorian gardening." -National Trust booklet on the garden.
On Wednesday, 28 June 2000, the Ohio State University students with the Study Abroad program in England joined the Myerscough students on a visit to this most exciting of gardens. This excitement was also shared by Carrie Foltz, one of the 1999 England Study Abroad participants who reported on Biddulph Grange as part of her activities. Biddulph Grange plays an important role in the history of landscapes in England; it represents the transition from the park-like, Capability Brown- inspired landscapes of the 1700's to the gardenesque landscapes of the Victorian era (1850's to 1910's).
These facts about Biddulph were shared with us by Andrew Humphries (below), the head gardener and our host. Biddulph is a property of the National Trust... "Britain's leading conservation organization...founded in 1895 and...charged with the preservation and management of Britain's historical legacy and natural beauty." [See a report on the Trust by Kris Cady, also a participant of the 1999 England Study Abroad program]
Andrew provided a brief history of the garden and of its recent restoration. He also commented on the value of the plant collections at the site. This collection is very significant and it reflects the near mania of the early Victorians for introducing plants from far-off places. Many of the trees and shrubs at the gardens were introduced by Robert Fortune, a famous plant explorer who was supported by the Royal Horticultural Society. James Bateman, the creator of Biddulph Grange, was a member of the Society's Plant Exploration committee and this association provided ready access to unusual plants that now dot the gardens. Back in the 1860's when Bateman's gardens were in full swing, he had the services of 40 gardeners. Now in 2000, Andrew must manage the entire complex of gardens with 3 additional staff and 2 students!
Biddulph Grange is not a single garden; it is instead a series of rooms or 'compartments' representing various styles of gardens, some quite fanciful, each very interesting. Most Victorian gardens have since incorporated elements found at Biddulph: originality, variety, surprise, exotic plants. Because Biddulph Grange is so diverse, 3 of our students report on the visit:
The Overall Design - by Nate Ritchie
The Restoration of The Gardens - by Charlie Kirby
The China Garden - by Cindy Schroeder
Additional Notes, Images of Biddulph Grange
