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.
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.
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).