November 2024 Meeting
November Meeting introduced us to the Gardens at Gilbert White’s house in Selbourne. The talk was given by David Standing who had been the head gardener at The Wakes until he retired in 2017. David has been researching the gardens for over 40 years trying to discover the details of the garden as it was on the ground. Gilbert White had diaries and log books giving details of what was planted but no plans or guidance to where the exact parts were in the garden in relation to the property.
Additions to the property by various owners and removal of trees and hedges had made the problem even more complicated. David guided us enthusiastically through the process and introduced us to many of the ideas and plants that could be found in the garden. A thoroughly entertaining evening shining a light on one of the most influential environmentalists and gardeners in the country.