At the end of August we enjoyed a delightful party in the Edinburgh Garden of Dr John Byrom.  for those visiting ‘Newlyn’ for the first time, it was a revelation, for this is a garden like no other.    Conceits and wit go hand in hand with plantsmanship.

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As we were led through the garden by John, and the inspirations from the different muses revealed themselves, the sense of fun was palpable: caged rhubarb leaves sprouted upwards, the fronds of Giant Horsetail brushed against our faces as we followed the winding path.

Calligraphy abounds, much by John himself, in a wonderfully assured hand.

Some had supper at the Villa Lante-inspired table under a pergola, others ate inside as the sun set.  It was an evening full of fun and friendship, with both new and well-kent faces.

 

Euterpe with rhubarb and eggs

We presented John with a framed copy of our wood engraving logo.  We hope to feature his garden in a future edition of The Pleasaunce.  A big thank you  to all who made this event such a success.

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Some guests at the Centre of the Universe (within the Garden of Celestial Washing)

Stop press:

The Care and Conservation of Shared Georgian Gardens.   John Byrom (130 pp. 60 colour and line drawings) is due to be published in May 2016 by Edinburgh World Heritage at £25.00 (hard back).  This is the long awaited companion volume to The Edinburgh New Town Gardens: Blessings as well as Beauties by Connie Byrom (Birlinn, 2005).