Thread by @MSovay, The @CWGC is sometimes referred to as 'the largest gardening organisation in [...]

The @CWGC is sometimes referred to as 'the largest gardening organisation in the world,' and it's easy to see why! Over 800 acres of ground at our sites are given over to fine horticulture.

Arras Memorial, (2009)
https://www.cwgc.org/visit-us/find-cemeteries-memorials/cemetery-details/82700/ARRAS%20MEMORIAL/

The @CWGC is sometimes referred to as 'the largest gardening organisation in the world,' and it's easy to see why! Over 800 acres of ground at our sites are given over to fine horticulture. Arras Memorial, (2009) https://www.cwgc.org/visit-us/find-cemeteries-memorials/cemetery-details/82700/ARRAS%20MEMORIAL/

The importance of planting schemes go back to The Kenyon Report. The then director of the @BritishMuseum Sir Frederic Kenyon stated that it was "essential that the architectural designers…work in the closest co-operation with the horticultural experts."

Two of these experts were Arthur Hill, Assistant Director of @KewGardens, and Gertrude Jekyll, known for her design collaborations with Edwin Lutyens.

Jekyll, and her restored garden at The Manor House, Upton Grey, #Hampshire

Two of these experts were Arthur Hill, Assistant Director of @KewGardens, and Gertrude Jekyll, known for her design collaborations with Edwin Lutyens. Jekyll, and her restored garden at The Manor House, Upton Grey, #Hampshire

In the early days of the Commission, many of the first gardeners were veterans of the Great War. Caring for the sites meant caring for their fallen friends and comrades. You can find out more about these early gardeners here https://spark.adobe.com/page/YXdEKds2SMkgk/

Gardening Then and Now

See the story

https://spark.adobe.com/page/YXdEKds2SMkgk/

I really love how the cemetery sites across the former Western Front became a way to create a landscape of remembrance, one in which the former actors could create and construct.

Achiet-le-Grand, France (2015)
https://www.cwgc.org/visit-us/find-cemeteries-memorials/cemetery-details/30002/ACHIET-LE-GRAND%20COMMUNAL%20CEMETERY%20EXTENSION/

I really love how the cemetery sites across the former Western Front became a way to create a landscape of remembrance, one in which the former actors could create and construct. Achiet-le-Grand, France (2015) https://www.cwgc.org/visit-us/find-cemeteries-memorials/cemetery-details/30002/ACHIET-LE-GRAND%20COMMUNAL%20CEMETERY%20EXTENSION/

Recent studies have shown that gardening and the outdoors helps significantly with our mental health, and I often think of those ex-servicemen and what this may have meant for them.

Gardeners, 1929.

Recent studies have shown that gardening and the outdoors helps significantly with our mental health, and I often think of those ex-servicemen and what this may have meant for them. Gardeners, 1929.

Nowadays our sites are looked after by a team of 950 gardeners in 150 countries & territories around the world! Working in all climate zones and weather, they do a fantastic job of preserving these important sites. #OurWorkContinues

Gardeners in Digboi, India & Fajara, Gambia

Nowadays our sites are looked after by a team of 950 gardeners in 150 countries & territories around the world! Working in all climate zones and weather, they do a fantastic job of preserving these important sites. #OurWorkContinues Gardeners in Digboi, India & Fajara, Gambia

Hill & Jekyll's ideas on which plants should be used where continue to this day - with adaptations according to the environment. Emphasis on herbaceous plants (no woody stems) and use of colour has helped to create some memorable views.

Beach, Turkey
https://www.cwgc.org/visit-us/find-cemeteries-memorials/cemetery-details/68702/BEACH%20CEMETERY,%20ANZAC/

Hill & Jekyll's ideas on which plants should be used where continue to this day - with adaptations according to the environment. Emphasis on herbaceous plants (no woody stems) and use of colour has helped to create some memorable views.Beach, Turkey https://www.cwgc.org/visit-us/find-cemeteries-memorials/cemetery-details/68702/BEACH%20CEMETERY,%20ANZAC/

In the C21st there is an ongoing movement to make sure our work is as 'Green' as possible. Chemicals are avoided, water usage has been reduced, and planting schemes aim for increased biodiversity for pollinating insects.

Bedford House
https://www.cwgc.org/visit-us/find-cemeteries-memorials/cemetery-details/55502/BEDFORD%20HOUSE%20CEMETERY/

In the C21st there is an ongoing movement to make sure our work is as 'Green' as possible. Chemicals are avoided, water usage has been reduced, and planting schemes aim for increased biodiversity for pollinating insects. Bedford House https://www.cwgc.org/visit-us/find-cemeteries-memorials/cemetery-details/55502/BEDFORD%20HOUSE%20CEMETERY/

You can join us in using flowers for remembrance, as well as encouraging wildlife in your gardens, by requesting a free packet of wildflower seeds from our website - we would love to see your photos come the summer!

#WarGravesWeek

https://www.cwgc.org/order-your-seeds/

You can join us in using flowers for remembrance, as well as encouraging wildlife in your gardens, by requesting a free packet of wildflower seeds from our website - we would love to see your photos come the summer! #WarGravesWeek https://www.cwgc.org/order-your-seeds/

Thank you for reading, and you can follow many of our gardeners and horticultural managers on twitter!
@gardentheworld
@valentinpst
@khouryjhony
@francis_itabari
@rabi_cwgc
And probably many more that I have missed! Please do share - I am always looking for more lovely photos

Landscape and garden heritage is something I am increasingly interested in, and I would love to share the horticultural history of the @CWGC more! #OurWarGravesYourHistory
@HertsBedsPH
@Beds_Gardens
@linden_groves
@corrie1705
@CambsGT
@EssexGT
@NorfolkGtrust
@broadsgirl

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