A must for fans of our recent social history
From its opening poem onwards, Trevor Millum’s Son of the Secret Gardener is a wonderful, intimate glimpse worthy of The Secret Garden itself.
And it is this childhood classic, written by Frances Hodgson Burnett in 1911, that is the basis of Trevor’s book. His grandfather, George Owen Millum, was head gardener at the author’s home, Maytham Hall, in Rolvenden, Kent. Although much younger at the time, he was the inspiration for the irascible gardener Ben Weatherstaff – with added Yorkshire accent!
Trevor’s father and grandfather were both called George and were professional gardeners. George Junior followed in the family gardening tradition. He was born in the tied cottage belonging to the head gardener at Maytham Hall, like his father before him.
The story is mostly told through George Junior’s detailed day-by-day gardening diaries in 1935 and 1949. They highlight the social and economic changes in pre- and post-war Britain.
Son of the Secret Gardener’s diaries
When Trevor discovered his father’s diaries, he decided to make them available to everyone. It is illustrated with original photos (including the original diaries), with illustrations by Twink Addison.
Although George Junior had no opportunity to continue his education, Trevor was different. He studied at Birmingham University. Now, Dr Trevor Millum FRSA was a teacher and Head of English as well as Director of the National Association for the Teaching of English. Now retired, he is a freelance writer, editor, consultant, and keen gardener.
The book is a glimpse into a lost world of grand houses and gardens, kept pristine by a host of skilled but underpaid staff. The range of skills expected is quite extraordinary – and backbreaking. A must for those fascinated by our recent social history.
Son of the Secret Gardener is available now in paperback, RRP £11.50, from www.quadrant-books.com and all good bookshops.
Read more horticultural book reviews you might like – The Thoughtful Gardener and Good Soil; Urban Flowers; The Salad Garden; The Jam Maker’s Garden and Charles Dowding’s latest No-Dig volume.
Read more about VE Day 75th Anniversary: Dig for Victory campaign.
