150 Year Celebrations of the Giant Amazonian Waterlily at Staunton Park
Winter- Spring 2004
It is 10 years since Alitex replaced the original Victorian glasshouses at
Staunton Park, Hampshire. The park is based on the historic estate
created by Sir George Staunton between 1820 and 1860. Sir George
had a great passion for botany which was shared by Sir William
Hooker and Sir Joseph Banks at the Royal Botanic Gardens of Kew.
When Staunton heard that the Victoria amazonica had flowered at
Chatsworth and Syon, he planned a 30 foot diameter tank in the
octagonal glasshouse and requested a plant from Hooker, which
arrived in 1853. With the help of his expert Head Gardener, Alexander
Scott, Staunton was thrilled to see the plant flourish and eventually
flower five months later.
The 150 year anniversary was celebrated by tours of the wonderful
glasshouses and walled gardens and talks by Professor Peter Crane,
Director of Kew, Brian Kidd (previously head of Portsmouth Parks)
and Chris Bailey, Head Gardener at Staunton.
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