In this short talk Gillian Parker will explain why Backhouses of York – now largely forgotten outside of York – was one of the most important nurseries of the 19th and early 20th centuries. She will focus on the plants that they introduced to commerce, their influential role in promoting the popularity of alpine plants, and their innovative garden rockwork. Finishing by looking at some similarities and differences between 19th century and modern nursery practices.
Since retiring from a long career as a health and social care researcher, Gillian has been retraining as a garden and landscape historian. She is currently in the final stages of a PhD that examines the social, economic and horticultural history of the Backhouse nursery of York. Other interests include the life and work of landscape designer, George Dillistone, and the history of garden rockwork. She is a Trustee of the Yorkshire Gardens Trust and a volunteer garden in the George Dillistone garden at the York National Trust property, Goddards.
