ENTERTAINMENT THROUGH THE GARDEN GAT E


THROUGH THE GARDEN GATE HISTORICAL HORTICULTURAL DISPLAY


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This month, our television horticulturist, Camilla Bassett-Smith is inspired by the historical horticultural display being taken to The Chelsea Flower Show by one of the West Country’s most prominent botanical businesses.


Mention the Romans or Vikings and many of us are instantly transported to a school text book where we drew representations of many historical eras. I know my Cheltenham Berkhampstead School illustrations from the 1980s still exist intact in one of many boxes, piled high, encasing a perfect snapshot of my youth.


Chedworth Roman Villa, of course, by virtue of its name, leaves us in no doubt of its origin.


Roads are another obvious association, with the famous Fosse Way taking Gloucestershire in its path, simply straight and built to last (oh if only the Romans could take a look at some of our potholes!!). Coins could also come to mind, and for many a local metal detector, buried treasure has made itself known. Take the rare hoard of republican coins found off the A40 near Gloucester in 2018 or the Willersey Coin Hoard of 56 coins found in 1968 or three coin filled pots uncovered in Wickwar in 2021.


I suspect plants would not be the first words to leave your lips when Romans enter the Cotswolds supper time topic of conversation. However, think again, for it is these pillar loving pioneers who are responsible for so many of our botanical


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imports, having been believed to have introduced over 50 new kinds of food plants alone, from figs to olives.


Bringing the Romans and horticulture seamlessly together this month, is the Newt in Somerset, who are the headline sponsor of The RHS Chelsea Flower Show for the third year running and in 2024, bringing with them a glimpse of the Roman Empire.


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