Every month we are going to feature two blogs written by volunteers, one will describe an object in the Palace and one a plant from the Garden. It is great way for us all to learn more about the Palace, if you would like to contribute there is no set format so send us your ideas!
This month we’re indebted to Gardens and Archive Volunteer Moyra Gardener who has unearthed this fantastic piece about the Fulham Palace Gardens in a horticultural magazine.
The Gardener’s Chronicle London, April 3rd 1841, p. 215:
The Palace Gardens Fulham. The forcing department is extensive; Cucumbers have been produced since the 7th of January. The pit is constructed with hollow walls pigeon-holed at bottom, by which the heat from the linings is communicated to the bed, and also ascends in the hollow walls from which a regular warmth is obtained with little expense in the dull days of winter. The cucumber plants are now strong, healthy and hardy, air being admitted every fine day, and with attention to pruning, promise to bear well until September or October. Kidney beans are prolific and strong, placed on a tan pit, where they are found to do much better than on flues or in other spare places. The Melons are in a forward and healthy state of growth. The foliage of that majestic and ancient specimen of the Cork tree, Quercus Suber, has suffered by the last frosty wind, but the Hickory, Acacia, Pinus, Pinaster and other old tenants of the soil seem determined to live forever. W.K.
Thank you Moyra!
We'll finish off with this Victorian cucumber cream recipe, which will be a unique addition to any dinner table this festive season!
Agnes Marshall's Parisian Cucumber Cream
Please send your ideas for blogs to rachel.bray@fulhampalace.org If you would like some help, let us know.