Historical Garden plats of Note

On the Enlightenment Era Influence of Global Plats Around the World

In the age of reason and scientific pursuit, the garden plat emerged as more than a mere sketch.

It was a meticulously crafted document, a marriage of practical gardening guide and enlightened artistic representation.

These plats, born from the pens of learned botanists and visionary architects, served as vital blueprints for the burgeoning botanical gardens, acting as both a guide for cultivation and a testament to the ambition of understanding and cataloguing the natural world.

They reveal not only the intended layout but also the philosophical ideals and scientific aspirations that shaped these havens of botanical study.

Provenance & Notable Attributes

These plats, preserved within the archives of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, stand as vital records of the garden’s progressive development. The plats are not merely topographical surveys; they are detailed botanical inventories, specifying designated areas for plant families, instructional beds for students, and experimental plots for ongoing research.

One plat in particular, dating from circa 1790, showcases Hope’s meticulous planning. The document reveals the garden divided into distinct sections, labelled with elegant script and accompanied by detailed annotations. It depicts a carefully considered arrangement of plant families, reflecting the Linnaean system of classification then gaining prominence in the scientific community.

Compass Orientations & Boundaries

The plat makes clear the garden’s orientation: a deliberate alignment along the cardinal directions to maximise sunlight exposure for the diverse plant collections.

Inverleith House was strategically positioned at the most southerly point of the garden, therefore, its stately facade faced away from the bulk of the garden itself.

The boundaries, delineated by a combination of stone walls and carefully managed hedges, provide an enclosure and microclimate for delicate species.

Particulars of Measure in Historical Units

Dimensions were recorded in chains and links, reflecting the customary surveying practices of the time.

For instance, the main instructional bed, clearly marked on the plat, measured approximately two chains in length (approximately 40 metres or 132 feet).

The overall size of the garden, according to the plat, was roughly five acres (approximately two hectares), a notable expansion from its original Holyrood site.

Observations on Seasonal Change

The plats often included annotations regarding the timing of plantings and observations on seasonal growth.

One note mentions the optimal period for sowing Papaver somniferum (the opium poppy) to be in the early days of the vernal equinox (March in the Northern Hemisphere), ensuring sufficient warmth for germination.

Conversely, the cultivation of more delicate species from the Southern Hemisphere, such as various Proteaceae, was carefully timed to coincide with the onset of summer (June), affording them ample opportunity to acclimatise before the onset of winter.

Notes on Successful or Failed Plantings

Professor Hope’s hand is evident in numerous notations detailing successful and failed plantings.

A marginal note beside a section designated for Erica species (heaths) indicates that, “several specimens succumbed to the severity of the winter of ’95, despite all precautions. New soil shall be added in the spring.”

These candid admissions provide valuable insights into the challenges faced by early botanists in their pursuit of acclimatising plants from diverse climates.

Weather Records Relevant to the Garden’s Performance

Weather records, meticulously maintained by Hope and his successors, were crucial to understanding the garden’s performance.

Temperature readings, rainfall measurements, and even wind direction were diligently recorded and correlated with plant growth.

These records reveal the considerable efforts undertaken to mitigate the harsh Scottish winters, including the construction of heated glasshouses and the strategic placement of windbreaks.

The average winter temperature was around 4 degrees Celsius (39 degrees Fahrenheit), and the gardeners needed to carefully protect plants that needed warmer climates.

References to Historical Gardening Texts that Influenced the Design

The plat further reveals Hope’s adherence to the principles espoused in prominent gardening texts of the period, such as Philip Miller’s The Gardener’s Dictionary.

Miller’s emphasis on soil preparation, drainage, and proper spacing of plants is clearly reflected in the layout outlined on the plat.

The design and cultivation techniques reflect a deep understanding of the botanical knowledge passed down through generations of gardeners and scholars.

Marginalia

Personal Reflections on the Garden’s Development –

The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, as revealed through its historical plats, stands as a monument to enlightened scientific endeavour.

The plants themselves, carefully curated and nurtured, are testament to the dedication and knowledge of Professor John Hope.

The garden plats remind us of the progressive advancement of botanical knowledge. They also demonstrate the relentless spirit of inquiry and discovery that characterised the Enlightenment era.

They provide a window into the meticulous planning, painstaking observation, and unwavering commitment that transformed a modest physic garden into one of the world’s leading botanical institutions.

To wander the grounds today is to walk in the footsteps of giants, to witness the enduring legacy of a vision born from the age of reason.